It is almost like a ritual now for me to hike up Broga Hill at least on an annual basis. I did write about how things have changed tremendously at Broga last year. This time around, our plan to climb Broga Hill was a last minute thing. It was something that has been brought our during my losing game of bowling. Hehe. Despite thinking that Bukit To'kun hike at Bukit Mertajam, Penang could possibly be the closing hike I would be doing this year, I was totally wrong about that. I'm game and all gear up to do more outdoor activities during this year ending holiday season.
So let's get talking about Broga Hill at least from how I see it last weekend.
What is new at Broga Hill now?
- I spotted a couple of make shift toilets hidden away at the corner of the oil palm parking lot and another one just at the beginning point of the hike
- There weren't a lot of people last week comparatively to the throng of human processions I've seen over the days. I'm blaming the holiday seasons so people are getting out of town.
- There are more food stalls and the usual Chinese aunty who sells her cold drinks is still there but she is sitting way up to the starting point which will be the first stall hikers will meet as they reached down from the hill. Business is getting really competitive these days at Broga Hill. hehe. Surprisingly there is also a burger stall. I was like WT* for a second there thinking that it is so out of place. People someone should note to them that people who are hikers are usually health conscious and we care about what goes down into our stomach. Burgers will mess up with our system dude!
- As for the track itself : it is the usual track. I was wearing someone else sport shoes and it does get a bit slippery on some trails. We didn't climb up the last point of the track too. It was rocky, with a bit of rope climbing and not to mention slippery because we were people watching and so quite a few slipped down and got them hanging on the ropes. But not to worry, it is fairly safe provided you have people around to give you a hand.
- I think quite a number of people were actually climbing up Gunung Tok Wan which starts at the highest point of Broga Hill. Yes, I was somewhat suggesting to my fellow hikers to do this Tok Wan hike last month but we didn't because the timing was all off. So yeah, I have enough reason to come back Broga Hill again next year so that I can finish up Tok Wan.
- The view has always been stunning at Broga Hill so I didn't bother to really pose and have a nice shot taken. I'm silly like that so silly is the only thing I know when it comes to posing for pictures. It's fun though and you should do it too!
There you go! The final report on the things that has changed at Broga Hill for 2011. I'm expecting things to 'develop' more at this place. I hope it's only for the better. You still have this weekend and next week to hike up Broga Hill if you haven't already. Go there. Get hiking. Get sweating. It's really fun and hiking never gets old despite how many times you walk up the same trail.
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Quote of The Day : If You Hesitate or Doubt on Something, Don't Go For It
I'm going to make this one short and this quote should be able to help you to make a decision on what is your best next action to take when you are stuck in a crossroad.
Quote of The Day is : If You Hesitate or Doubt on Something, Don't Go For It!
When you have to make a choice and if ever you start to hesitate even on one small thing, you SHOULD SKIP it, PICK another and yeah, get on with the next best thing. Hesitate = doubt = your subconscious mind telling you, " Don't do it baby!" :)
Quote of The Day is : If You Hesitate or Doubt on Something, Don't Go For It!
When you have to make a choice and if ever you start to hesitate even on one small thing, you SHOULD SKIP it, PICK another and yeah, get on with the next best thing. Hesitate = doubt = your subconscious mind telling you, " Don't do it baby!" :)
Friday, December 16, 2011
Hiking Up Bukit To'kun at Cherok To'kun, Bukit Mertajam | Tokun Hill BM, Penang
The last of my hiking activities with my fellow hikers was back in early January at Bukit Tabur, Taman Melawati. Oh goodness, that was ages ago. Haha. Hence to wrap things up for the year end, I had another last hiking trip for the year somewhere up north which was at Bukit To'kun or it is either known as well as Bukit Tokun or Tokun Hill located at Cherok To'kun, Bukit Mertajam, Penang.
Most of my fellow hikers resides in Penang and they have been posting loads of beautiful hiking pictures at Bukit To'kun with the Mengkuam Dam view that made me said to one them that I really need to go there and check that place out. Thankfully, I had a chance to drive down to Penang for a wedding and of course, I had to extend the stay for another day to check out Bukut To'kun.
[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Mengkuang Dam, Bukit Mertajam, Penang"]
[/caption]
If you are thinking for directions to Bukit To'kun, I truthfully cannot direct you from here because my friend was driving us all along and the next thing I new, I saw the Cherok To'kun signage, we passed the Mee Ketam Pak Man Restaurant around the corner, approached straight to Taman Rimba Bukit Mertajam, drive farther up a bit and the journey begins.
[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Bukit Tokun clouds taken from the wooden platform"]
[/caption]
I was told that there are 2 routes to hike Bukit To'kun which is the off-road jungle tracks or the tarmac road which was the one that we used since all of us girls want to take it easy and slow and no wants to get wet and dirty in the jungle track.
What do I feel about Bukit To'kun?
I think people in Bukit Mertajam (BM) are really lucky. The place is jam-packed, loads of people are hiking, young and old - I'm talking grannies and grandpas with sport shoes and walking sticks hiking solo all the way up the really steep hill. It is a tough hike because of the gradient level/slope and these veterans are really rocking it out man. For younger and more adventurous ones, they are really a lot of cyclist - properly dressed of course, cycling up the steep hill and I saw one guy, he must have cycled a lot and I thought his calf muscles is going to break out of his skin at any time. That is exactly how intense it really is to climb up Bukit To'kun with your bicycle.
[caption id="attachment_2579" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="Cyclist at Bukit Tokun, Cherok Tokun, BM"]
[/caption]
We pretty much took our time to hike and there were lots of stops and picture moments. Hence we round up the hill as in our return trip up and down took us about 2 hours 43 minutes. We only took 44 minutes to come down hill so you can guess how much time we spent for the photo taking sessions. I was really looking forward to see the view of the Mengkuam Dam at the wooden platform area, somewhere just a couple of meters away from the peak and that was basically the highlight of the whole Bukit To'kun hike. We had a pretty good day, cool and it rained the night before and we got to see beautiful clusters of clouds just beneath us, as though suspending right below from where we were standing and it was hands down the best view of the day. At some point, it didn't feel like we were in Bukit Mertajam but felt instead more like we were up on a really beautiful mountain view.
Most people who hike up the hill are usually regulars and it is really a very vibrant and exciting place to meet a lot of people. I really love that kind of exciting hiking vibes where everyone is so friendly and nice. We even met with a friendly bunch of guys and one guy fell victim to become our unofficial photographer. Friendly guy, very nice to chat with but no one bothers to at least get his Facebook name. Hahaha.
Anyway, if you are a Penangite and hiking is your thing, this is the place to go. With 2 routes to choose from, there are more fun to come back at Bukit To'kun often enough. For you hardcore bikers, this hill is the place to be! I'm thinking probably some path may be up to 45 degrees incline or slope which is really intense and will make you work it, man! For social hikers like me, this place is really worth to find and hike especially if you intend to travel down to Penang although this place is located at Bukit Mertajam not in the island. So yeah, Bukit To'kun or Bukit Tokun or Tokun Hill or Cherok To'kun hill (however you want to call this place) is really great, vibrant, happening and has an incredibly beautiful view right at the wooden platform. This is a must place to go hiking all the way in Bukit Mertajam, Penang.
*pictures thanks to Miss M :)
Most of my fellow hikers resides in Penang and they have been posting loads of beautiful hiking pictures at Bukit To'kun with the Mengkuam Dam view that made me said to one them that I really need to go there and check that place out. Thankfully, I had a chance to drive down to Penang for a wedding and of course, I had to extend the stay for another day to check out Bukut To'kun.
[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Mengkuang Dam, Bukit Mertajam, Penang"]
[/caption]If you are thinking for directions to Bukit To'kun, I truthfully cannot direct you from here because my friend was driving us all along and the next thing I new, I saw the Cherok To'kun signage, we passed the Mee Ketam Pak Man Restaurant around the corner, approached straight to Taman Rimba Bukit Mertajam, drive farther up a bit and the journey begins.
[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Bukit Tokun clouds taken from the wooden platform"]
[/caption]I was told that there are 2 routes to hike Bukit To'kun which is the off-road jungle tracks or the tarmac road which was the one that we used since all of us girls want to take it easy and slow and no wants to get wet and dirty in the jungle track.
What do I feel about Bukit To'kun?
I think people in Bukit Mertajam (BM) are really lucky. The place is jam-packed, loads of people are hiking, young and old - I'm talking grannies and grandpas with sport shoes and walking sticks hiking solo all the way up the really steep hill. It is a tough hike because of the gradient level/slope and these veterans are really rocking it out man. For younger and more adventurous ones, they are really a lot of cyclist - properly dressed of course, cycling up the steep hill and I saw one guy, he must have cycled a lot and I thought his calf muscles is going to break out of his skin at any time. That is exactly how intense it really is to climb up Bukit To'kun with your bicycle.
[caption id="attachment_2579" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="Cyclist at Bukit Tokun, Cherok Tokun, BM"]
[/caption]We pretty much took our time to hike and there were lots of stops and picture moments. Hence we round up the hill as in our return trip up and down took us about 2 hours 43 minutes. We only took 44 minutes to come down hill so you can guess how much time we spent for the photo taking sessions. I was really looking forward to see the view of the Mengkuam Dam at the wooden platform area, somewhere just a couple of meters away from the peak and that was basically the highlight of the whole Bukit To'kun hike. We had a pretty good day, cool and it rained the night before and we got to see beautiful clusters of clouds just beneath us, as though suspending right below from where we were standing and it was hands down the best view of the day. At some point, it didn't feel like we were in Bukit Mertajam but felt instead more like we were up on a really beautiful mountain view.
Most people who hike up the hill are usually regulars and it is really a very vibrant and exciting place to meet a lot of people. I really love that kind of exciting hiking vibes where everyone is so friendly and nice. We even met with a friendly bunch of guys and one guy fell victim to become our unofficial photographer. Friendly guy, very nice to chat with but no one bothers to at least get his Facebook name. Hahaha.
Anyway, if you are a Penangite and hiking is your thing, this is the place to go. With 2 routes to choose from, there are more fun to come back at Bukit To'kun often enough. For you hardcore bikers, this hill is the place to be! I'm thinking probably some path may be up to 45 degrees incline or slope which is really intense and will make you work it, man! For social hikers like me, this place is really worth to find and hike especially if you intend to travel down to Penang although this place is located at Bukit Mertajam not in the island. So yeah, Bukit To'kun or Bukit Tokun or Tokun Hill or Cherok To'kun hill (however you want to call this place) is really great, vibrant, happening and has an incredibly beautiful view right at the wooden platform. This is a must place to go hiking all the way in Bukit Mertajam, Penang.
*pictures thanks to Miss M :)
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Photo Travel : Kuching, Sarawak | East Malaysia, Borneo
For today's Photo Travel it is about Kuching, Sarawak. Sarawak is the biggest state in Malaysia and it is located in Borneo which is a huge island on its own. To find out more about Kuching which is the capital city of the state of Sarawak check out this Sarawak wiki link.
Let's get down to the pictures and I hope you will enjoy them.
[caption id="attachment_2553" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Postcards of the ethnic people of Sarawak: The Iban"]
[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_2554" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="The Charles Brooke Memorial, Kuching"]
[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_2555" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="Charles Brooke Memorial - The Iban Warrior"]
[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_2556" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="Chinatown, Kuching"]
[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_2557" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="The Old Court House, Kuching"]
[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_2558" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="The General Post Office, Kuching Town"]
[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_2559" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="Indian Mosque Lane, Kuching"]
[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_2560" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="Masjid Bandar Kuching - The Indian Mosque in India Street, Kuching crammed amongst the shop lots"]
[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_2562" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="The super old skool spice shop along India Street in Kuching"]
[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_2563" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Three prominent buildings/landmark in Kuching"]
[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_2564" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="Boat cruise along the river at the Kuching Waterfront"]
[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_2565" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="Bot Tambang at the river Kuching"]
[/caption]
Let's get down to the pictures and I hope you will enjoy them.
[caption id="attachment_2553" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Postcards of the ethnic people of Sarawak: The Iban"]
[/caption][caption id="attachment_2554" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="The Charles Brooke Memorial, Kuching"]
[/caption][caption id="attachment_2555" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="Charles Brooke Memorial - The Iban Warrior"]
[/caption][caption id="attachment_2556" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="Chinatown, Kuching"]
[/caption][caption id="attachment_2557" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="The Old Court House, Kuching"]
[/caption][caption id="attachment_2558" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="The General Post Office, Kuching Town"]
[/caption][caption id="attachment_2559" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="Indian Mosque Lane, Kuching"]
[/caption][caption id="attachment_2560" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="Masjid Bandar Kuching - The Indian Mosque in India Street, Kuching crammed amongst the shop lots"]
[/caption][caption id="attachment_2562" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="The super old skool spice shop along India Street in Kuching"]
[/caption][caption id="attachment_2563" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Three prominent buildings/landmark in Kuching"]
[/caption][caption id="attachment_2564" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="Boat cruise along the river at the Kuching Waterfront"]
[/caption][caption id="attachment_2565" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="Bot Tambang at the river Kuching"]
[/caption]Friday, December 09, 2011
Top 5 Things You Essentially Need For An Awesome Road Trip
I really love road trips and I wish I could do it more often like on a weekly basis sort of things. Anyway, I had one of the best road trips a couple of weeks back and I would like to share with you the Top 5 Things You Essentially Need For An Awesome Road Trip. Let's get started with the list.
1. Find yourself not just a good travel partner but an awesome travel partner.
This can be difficult to find in most cases but you know what, take your time, experiment and finally figure out who is the right person you are willing to have around for the whole duration of your road trip.As for my case, I'm indeed lucky because I could still nicked a few days out of my newly married best friend to become my partner in crime for the road trip. She's the best because there are always non-stop talking and stories to tell which are super juicy, haha and we haven't met for the longest time since she got married and there are a lot to catch up on. The next thing we know, we are already arriving at our destination. Time really pass with good chat and company.
2. Always have a sense of direction or a map or GPS handy.
For my previous road trip, we couldn't technically rely so much on the GPS or the Google Map Apps from the smart phone but I wouldn't say it didn't help us to find our way. Overall, the best combination for a direction is to have your co-driver (your travel partner) to read the map and direct the way for you while you just focus to drive on the road and traffic. With excellent communication and before hand knowing some sense or landmark on where you are heading, you will reach for your destination without any hassle, on time and there are less chance for you to get lost if you have an awesome partner who is really good at directions.
3. Never travel or continue with your road trip with an empty stomach.
You know what they say, “ When the stomach is full, the talk is good.” Hence, it applies to pretty much on anything in life and on this case for your road trip. When you feed your stomach accordingly and preferably on time, you can think right, hesistate less and you can make better decision making in reaching your destinations. Therefore, always have some snacks and drinks handy when you are traveling and stop for breakfast/lunch/dinner breaks.
4. Spend time to really go all out on taking pictures, posing in pictures and basically enjoy your moments of cam-whoring!
Pictures are memories so don't hesistate or let the memories fade by not capturing great and mostly really fun moments with your camera. I always find taking pictures very relaxing and the best part is I get to do some crazy, nutty and silly poses in the photos which makes the whole picture taking ordeal absolutely fun!
5. Travel with good spirit, energy and please be fit to travel!
I know this is a bit too much to ask especially about being fit to travel. There is a very important reason to that.
Personally for me, a road trip means a non-stop, constantly moving travel and the only time we make a long pit stop is when we call it a night and finally crashes on to bed before another long day starts the next day. You need a good spirit, energy and fitness level to last more than 12 hours of constant moving or walking or driving or talking or partly eating and walking again. So there is a lot of work put in together for a jam-packed but totally worthy road trip in a day. Hence, if you don't have the good spirit, energy and good fitness level, I doubt that you are going to have an awesome road trip. The worse that could have happened if you are lacking on those three thing is that you are just going to be a drag for your travel partners which you really want to avoid doing. The whole idea of a road trip is to have a good time and if you think you are not cut out for some mega awesome time with multiple, constant activities, then it is best for you to just stick around at home. Ouch that sounds harsh. :)
So there you go, The Top 5 Things You Essentially Need For An Awesome Road Trip. So travelers out there, would you care to be my travel partner for yet another awesome road trip of your lifetime? Leave me a comment and we'll see if we can make it work! *Subject to terms and conditions that is.
1. Find yourself not just a good travel partner but an awesome travel partner.
This can be difficult to find in most cases but you know what, take your time, experiment and finally figure out who is the right person you are willing to have around for the whole duration of your road trip.As for my case, I'm indeed lucky because I could still nicked a few days out of my newly married best friend to become my partner in crime for the road trip. She's the best because there are always non-stop talking and stories to tell which are super juicy, haha and we haven't met for the longest time since she got married and there are a lot to catch up on. The next thing we know, we are already arriving at our destination. Time really pass with good chat and company.
2. Always have a sense of direction or a map or GPS handy.
For my previous road trip, we couldn't technically rely so much on the GPS or the Google Map Apps from the smart phone but I wouldn't say it didn't help us to find our way. Overall, the best combination for a direction is to have your co-driver (your travel partner) to read the map and direct the way for you while you just focus to drive on the road and traffic. With excellent communication and before hand knowing some sense or landmark on where you are heading, you will reach for your destination without any hassle, on time and there are less chance for you to get lost if you have an awesome partner who is really good at directions.
3. Never travel or continue with your road trip with an empty stomach.
You know what they say, “ When the stomach is full, the talk is good.” Hence, it applies to pretty much on anything in life and on this case for your road trip. When you feed your stomach accordingly and preferably on time, you can think right, hesistate less and you can make better decision making in reaching your destinations. Therefore, always have some snacks and drinks handy when you are traveling and stop for breakfast/lunch/dinner breaks.
4. Spend time to really go all out on taking pictures, posing in pictures and basically enjoy your moments of cam-whoring!
Pictures are memories so don't hesistate or let the memories fade by not capturing great and mostly really fun moments with your camera. I always find taking pictures very relaxing and the best part is I get to do some crazy, nutty and silly poses in the photos which makes the whole picture taking ordeal absolutely fun!
5. Travel with good spirit, energy and please be fit to travel!
I know this is a bit too much to ask especially about being fit to travel. There is a very important reason to that.
Personally for me, a road trip means a non-stop, constantly moving travel and the only time we make a long pit stop is when we call it a night and finally crashes on to bed before another long day starts the next day. You need a good spirit, energy and fitness level to last more than 12 hours of constant moving or walking or driving or talking or partly eating and walking again. So there is a lot of work put in together for a jam-packed but totally worthy road trip in a day. Hence, if you don't have the good spirit, energy and good fitness level, I doubt that you are going to have an awesome road trip. The worse that could have happened if you are lacking on those three thing is that you are just going to be a drag for your travel partners which you really want to avoid doing. The whole idea of a road trip is to have a good time and if you think you are not cut out for some mega awesome time with multiple, constant activities, then it is best for you to just stick around at home. Ouch that sounds harsh. :)
So there you go, The Top 5 Things You Essentially Need For An Awesome Road Trip. So travelers out there, would you care to be my travel partner for yet another awesome road trip of your lifetime? Leave me a comment and we'll see if we can make it work! *Subject to terms and conditions that is.
Monday, December 05, 2011
I Got One Hand In My Pocket | Alanis Morissette
This song seems like THE perfect song tonight. Let's listen to this :
Hand In My Pocket by Alanis Morissette
http://youtu.be/LQ8D5Ihe4hg
Hand In My Pocket Lyrics:
I'm broke but I'm happy
I'm poor but I'm kind
I'm short but I'm healthy, yeah
I'm high but I'm grounded
I'm sane but I'm overwhelmed
I'm lost but I'm hopeful baby
What it all comes down to
Is that everything's gonna be fine fine fine
'cause I've got one hand in my pocket
And the other one is giving a high five
I feel drunk but I'm sober
I'm young and I'm underpaid
I'm tired but I'm working, yeah
I care but I'm restless
I'm here but I'm really gone
I'm wrong and I'm sorry baby
What it all comes down to
Is that everything's gonna be quite alright
'cause I've got one hand in my pocket
And the other one is flicking a cigarette
And what it all comes down to
Is that I haven't got it all figured out just yet
'cause I've got one hand in my pocket
And the other one is giving the peace sign
I'm free but I'm focused
I'm green but I'm wise
I'm hard but I'm friendly baby
I'm sad but I'm laughing
I'm brave but I'm chickenshit
I'm sick but I'm pretty baby
And what it all boils down to
Is that no one's really got it figured out just yet
'cause I've got one hand in my pocket
And the other one is playing the piano
And what it all comes down to my friends
Is that everything's just fine fine fine
'cause I've got one hand in my pocket
And the other one is hailing a taxi cab
Hand In My Pocket by Alanis Morissette
http://youtu.be/LQ8D5Ihe4hg
Hand In My Pocket Lyrics:
I'm broke but I'm happy
I'm poor but I'm kind
I'm short but I'm healthy, yeah
I'm high but I'm grounded
I'm sane but I'm overwhelmed
I'm lost but I'm hopeful baby
What it all comes down to
Is that everything's gonna be fine fine fine
'cause I've got one hand in my pocket
And the other one is giving a high five
I feel drunk but I'm sober
I'm young and I'm underpaid
I'm tired but I'm working, yeah
I care but I'm restless
I'm here but I'm really gone
I'm wrong and I'm sorry baby
What it all comes down to
Is that everything's gonna be quite alright
'cause I've got one hand in my pocket
And the other one is flicking a cigarette
And what it all comes down to
Is that I haven't got it all figured out just yet
'cause I've got one hand in my pocket
And the other one is giving the peace sign
I'm free but I'm focused
I'm green but I'm wise
I'm hard but I'm friendly baby
I'm sad but I'm laughing
I'm brave but I'm chickenshit
I'm sick but I'm pretty baby
And what it all boils down to
Is that no one's really got it figured out just yet
'cause I've got one hand in my pocket
And the other one is playing the piano
And what it all comes down to my friends
Is that everything's just fine fine fine
'cause I've got one hand in my pocket
And the other one is hailing a taxi cab
Sunday, December 04, 2011
My Personal Taste Bud Rating Over Penang Road Famous Teochew Cendol
Penang Road Famous Teochew Cendol! What do I think about it?
[caption id="attachment_2525" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Penang Road Famous Teochew Cendul. What do you think about this cendul?"]
[/caption]
My take is it was alright. Okay-lah kind of rating! I thought I've tasted something better than that. Hehe. Probably because we ordered the cendol without the kacang so it kinda have a missing ingredient. Also, it is a strictly hawker style cendol stall and yes, you have to line up by the busy roadside to order, grab a bowl, stand and gobble up your cendol while watching out your backside for incoming vehicles from your front or back. It is one of those quick slurps kind of cendul eating and something you can't really take your time to really indulge. No, not this place.
[caption id="attachment_2526" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="Order up and gobble down your cendul while standing"]
[/caption]
Whatever it is, my taste bud has tasted a much better tasting cendol which is :
1. Nyonya Cendol at Oceon Cafe in Melaka with its really thick Gula Melaka that gives it an extra edge than other standard cendol.
[caption id="attachment_2528" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Nyonya Style Cendol by Ocean Cafe Melaka - loaded with thick and sweet Gula Melaka"]
[/caption]
2. Cendol James located right smack at my hometown in front of the Sitiawan Hindu Temple . I don't know man, there is something about James Cendol that seems to be so perfect to have on a blistering hot day to quench your thirst with some sugary, iced cendol.
[caption id="attachment_2531" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="Cendol James At Sitiawan Temple"]
[/caption]
Anyway, enjoy the Cendol pictures ya'll. I bet you will be hunting down for some cendol when you are reading this post. :) Happy Cendol-ing!
[caption id="attachment_2525" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Penang Road Famous Teochew Cendul. What do you think about this cendul?"]
[/caption]My take is it was alright. Okay-lah kind of rating! I thought I've tasted something better than that. Hehe. Probably because we ordered the cendol without the kacang so it kinda have a missing ingredient. Also, it is a strictly hawker style cendol stall and yes, you have to line up by the busy roadside to order, grab a bowl, stand and gobble up your cendol while watching out your backside for incoming vehicles from your front or back. It is one of those quick slurps kind of cendul eating and something you can't really take your time to really indulge. No, not this place.
[caption id="attachment_2526" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="Order up and gobble down your cendul while standing"]
[/caption]Whatever it is, my taste bud has tasted a much better tasting cendol which is :
1. Nyonya Cendol at Oceon Cafe in Melaka with its really thick Gula Melaka that gives it an extra edge than other standard cendol.
[caption id="attachment_2528" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Nyonya Style Cendol by Ocean Cafe Melaka - loaded with thick and sweet Gula Melaka"]
[/caption]2. Cendol James located right smack at my hometown in front of the Sitiawan Hindu Temple . I don't know man, there is something about James Cendol that seems to be so perfect to have on a blistering hot day to quench your thirst with some sugary, iced cendol.
[caption id="attachment_2531" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="Cendol James At Sitiawan Temple"]
[/caption]Anyway, enjoy the Cendol pictures ya'll. I bet you will be hunting down for some cendol when you are reading this post. :) Happy Cendol-ing!
Saturday, December 03, 2011
What is the simplest yet memorable thing you can gift to anyone?
I have a simple question to ask. The question is "What is the simplest yet memorable thing you can gift to anyone? "
My humble yet simple answer for that question is this :
The simplest yet memorable thing you can ever gift to anyone is to sincerely from the bottom of your heart, to say something really awesome and nice to a person because that is one of the best qualities that you can see deep through inside them. Also, sometimes that is exactly what they needed to know about how awesome they really are deep inside.
Always look at people for what they really are as a person deep inside their heart and don't look at people for what they appear to be or look like on the outside. Every single one of us is born beautiful and it is a matter of really seeing and looking deep into a person to figure out their special 'gift' that has always been with them.
Hence, next time around if you really want to gift something memorable to a person, look deep inside them and tell them exactly how 'beautiful' they truly really are deep inside their hearts.
My humble yet simple answer for that question is this :
The simplest yet memorable thing you can ever gift to anyone is to sincerely from the bottom of your heart, to say something really awesome and nice to a person because that is one of the best qualities that you can see deep through inside them. Also, sometimes that is exactly what they needed to know about how awesome they really are deep inside.
Always look at people for what they really are as a person deep inside their heart and don't look at people for what they appear to be or look like on the outside. Every single one of us is born beautiful and it is a matter of really seeing and looking deep into a person to figure out their special 'gift' that has always been with them.
Hence, next time around if you really want to gift something memorable to a person, look deep inside them and tell them exactly how 'beautiful' they truly really are deep inside their hearts.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Animals Anecdotes : The Neighbour's Cats Invasion
The neighbour has countless amount of cats (at least I found it really countless, hehe) and thankfully all of them are spayed. Recently, three of the adult cats have always found themselves roaming around our little patch of garden at the front yard. They are really friendly, absolutely cute, constantly craving for attention and they are just a bunch of really happy, playful cats.
Of course we don't mind having them around not until they started to poo poo and pee pee around the yard which is really gross and smelly. That is one of the reason we prefer to have lots of plants instead of having animals as pets with the exceptional of the tiny harmless guppy that we have at the tiny water feature outside.
Anyway, back to the cute cats, I am pretty sure you want to have a peek at them while they are in action. So here goes!
[caption id="attachment_2504" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Peering at the front door just to check who's inside!"]
[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_2505" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="I just wanna chill!"]
[/caption]
Aren't they cute or what? But still I wouldn't want to have them as pets and would prefer to have them occasionally hang around for a bit minus the pooping part. Haha.
[caption id="attachment_2506" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="I am Puss in Boots and I want to sniff your camera!"]
[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_2507" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="I'm a cutie and I know it! Meow!"]
[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_2508" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Are those tools? Sniff sniff!"]
[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_2509" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="I'm snow white the shy kittie :)"]
[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_2510" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Look! I'm slightly handicapped but I'm the happiest cat in the world! Woot!"]
[/caption]
There will be more pictures to snap for sure but these guys are super active and constantly moving around which is what any normal, happy cats should be doing. The neighbour's cats absolutely love the little garden we have because they can play catch, jump around, toppled some tiny pots of plants over and it is really a great environment for them. Sadly enough, they couldn't get that back home. Hehe. We love the cats to bits and they are most welcomed to play anytime provided that they are well potty trained at home. Hehe.
Of course we don't mind having them around not until they started to poo poo and pee pee around the yard which is really gross and smelly. That is one of the reason we prefer to have lots of plants instead of having animals as pets with the exceptional of the tiny harmless guppy that we have at the tiny water feature outside.
Anyway, back to the cute cats, I am pretty sure you want to have a peek at them while they are in action. So here goes!
[caption id="attachment_2504" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Peering at the front door just to check who's inside!"]
[/caption][caption id="attachment_2505" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="I just wanna chill!"]
[/caption]Aren't they cute or what? But still I wouldn't want to have them as pets and would prefer to have them occasionally hang around for a bit minus the pooping part. Haha.
[caption id="attachment_2506" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="I am Puss in Boots and I want to sniff your camera!"]
[/caption][caption id="attachment_2507" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="I'm a cutie and I know it! Meow!"]
[/caption][caption id="attachment_2508" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Are those tools? Sniff sniff!"]
[/caption][caption id="attachment_2509" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="I'm snow white the shy kittie :)"]
[/caption][caption id="attachment_2510" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Look! I'm slightly handicapped but I'm the happiest cat in the world! Woot!"]
[/caption]There will be more pictures to snap for sure but these guys are super active and constantly moving around which is what any normal, happy cats should be doing. The neighbour's cats absolutely love the little garden we have because they can play catch, jump around, toppled some tiny pots of plants over and it is really a great environment for them. Sadly enough, they couldn't get that back home. Hehe. We love the cats to bits and they are most welcomed to play anytime provided that they are well potty trained at home. Hehe.
Friday, November 25, 2011
Road Trip Down Memory Lane! Guess Where I Am Heading?
I'm so excited for the road trip tomorrow and yeah, it is going to be one of those road trip down the memory lane kind of thing. I hope to have some time in between the road trip to blog about things and yeah I'm really super excited about it.
Another big thing worth mentioning is that, my birthday is coming up in a couple of days and I think I'm going to have a jolly good time hanging out with people that I love to be around with. We are an adventurous and outdoorsy kind of people which makes twice the fun, not to mention the place I'm heading to is the food heaven of the Peninsular Malaysia. Haha. Therefore, I'm going with good energy, great vibes and great times, safe driving, good stomach and awesome company.
Road trips are really a heck of a lot of fun especially when you get to do it with a bunch of good friend who are ready to rock and roll it! At this point of my life now, I'm really thankful that I actually get to meet and be friends with these awesome people and I'm looking forward to always have more road trips or adventures with you lot. You know who you are! You guys rock!
* A little hint of where I'm heading! :)
[caption id="attachment_2498" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Ferry crossing! Guess where this is? It's a super easy hint!"]
[/caption]
Another big thing worth mentioning is that, my birthday is coming up in a couple of days and I think I'm going to have a jolly good time hanging out with people that I love to be around with. We are an adventurous and outdoorsy kind of people which makes twice the fun, not to mention the place I'm heading to is the food heaven of the Peninsular Malaysia. Haha. Therefore, I'm going with good energy, great vibes and great times, safe driving, good stomach and awesome company.
Road trips are really a heck of a lot of fun especially when you get to do it with a bunch of good friend who are ready to rock and roll it! At this point of my life now, I'm really thankful that I actually get to meet and be friends with these awesome people and I'm looking forward to always have more road trips or adventures with you lot. You know who you are! You guys rock!
* A little hint of where I'm heading! :)
[caption id="attachment_2498" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Ferry crossing! Guess where this is? It's a super easy hint!"]
[/caption]
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Animals Anecdotes : Meet and Greet with a Horse
One of the best things about travelling in New Zealand is that you get to be really close in contact with the environment which obviously includes the plants and the animals. On our short stay over at Twizel, a little town located somewhere close to Mount Cook in South Island, New Zealand, we came across or some what literally met with this horse along with two other two legged animals - a little pony and a cow out in a fenced area of a field. This friendly horse actually walked all the way across the middle of the field towards the fence simply to greet us. At that time, we didn't have any food to offer them and so we thought, she just came around to say "Hello!"
[caption id="attachment_2489" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="A horse came all the way across the field to greet us. Location : Twizel, New Zealand"]
[/caption]
It was amazing that she actually came up to us as if she understood that we were eager to see her right up and close. Also, it was the first time for everyone to be that close to a horse before and she even allowed us to pat her which was really sweet of her. I think horses are really smart and for this particular one, it is smart plus very friendly too. I do believe that horses are great mind readers just like dogs and they kind of like know if you have good or bad intentions towards them and probably that was why the horse was drawn towards us.
[caption id="attachment_2490" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="The gang of three : the horse, cow and a little pony out in the field somewhere in Twizel, New Zealand"]
[/caption]
After a couple of minutes of our brief meet and greet, the pony and the cow decided to come closer to check us out over at the fence too. Come to think of it, it is funny to see these three animals hanging out with each other just by themselves and they seemed to be getting along really well too. I do hope the owner do come by to feed them and probably they were just waiting for breakfast to come when we were there.
Probably one day, I should learn up to ride a horse. It should be really fun don't you think?
[caption id="attachment_2489" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="A horse came all the way across the field to greet us. Location : Twizel, New Zealand"]
[/caption]It was amazing that she actually came up to us as if she understood that we were eager to see her right up and close. Also, it was the first time for everyone to be that close to a horse before and she even allowed us to pat her which was really sweet of her. I think horses are really smart and for this particular one, it is smart plus very friendly too. I do believe that horses are great mind readers just like dogs and they kind of like know if you have good or bad intentions towards them and probably that was why the horse was drawn towards us.
[caption id="attachment_2490" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="The gang of three : the horse, cow and a little pony out in the field somewhere in Twizel, New Zealand"]
[/caption]After a couple of minutes of our brief meet and greet, the pony and the cow decided to come closer to check us out over at the fence too. Come to think of it, it is funny to see these three animals hanging out with each other just by themselves and they seemed to be getting along really well too. I do hope the owner do come by to feed them and probably they were just waiting for breakfast to come when we were there.
Probably one day, I should learn up to ride a horse. It should be really fun don't you think?
Saturday, November 12, 2011
I got myself a Koru Rose Quartz Pendant | New Zealand Jade Design
So there you go! That's me with a Koru (Spiral) design Quarts Pendant. I was browsing around the souvenir shop in Rotorua, New Zealand and I stumbled across the pendant and necklaces rack. New Zealand has a pretty nifty traditionally designed pendant usually crafted on those beautiful green coloured New Zealand jade.
Jade can be pretty pricey and usually in Malaysia, we only see old Chinese aunties who traditionally will wear jade jeweleries. So, getting myself a jade pendant didn't sound like a good idea. Hehe. However, I really love the unique traditional New Zealand designs on the jade and I was attracted to the particular pendant that I bought.
[caption id="attachment_2675" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Koru Pendant with Rose Quartz - Maori Traditional Jade Design"]
[/caption]
It is a Rose Quartz with the Koru or Spiral design. I really thought it fits me well until I finally read at the back of the little card that comes along with the pendant on the meaning of both the Rose Quartz and the Koru (Spiral) design.
Rose Quartz:
The stone of love, acceptance and forgiveness. Removes negative energy by dissolving hidden tensions. Possessing a very pacifying effect, the Rose Quartz is both uplifting and positive. Counteracts the effects of computer or terrestrial radiation.
Koru ( Spiral) Design represents :
New beginnings, growth and harmony
I guess there is a reason why I was attracted to the Koru Rose Quartz pendant or probably I just love the look of them. Either way, if you are down in New Zealand, I think it is worth to get hold of the various traditional, New Zealand jade pendant designs and I am pretty sure you will love it! :)
Jade can be pretty pricey and usually in Malaysia, we only see old Chinese aunties who traditionally will wear jade jeweleries. So, getting myself a jade pendant didn't sound like a good idea. Hehe. However, I really love the unique traditional New Zealand designs on the jade and I was attracted to the particular pendant that I bought.
[caption id="attachment_2675" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Koru Pendant with Rose Quartz - Maori Traditional Jade Design"]
[/caption]It is a Rose Quartz with the Koru or Spiral design. I really thought it fits me well until I finally read at the back of the little card that comes along with the pendant on the meaning of both the Rose Quartz and the Koru (Spiral) design.
Rose Quartz:
The stone of love, acceptance and forgiveness. Removes negative energy by dissolving hidden tensions. Possessing a very pacifying effect, the Rose Quartz is both uplifting and positive. Counteracts the effects of computer or terrestrial radiation.
Koru ( Spiral) Design represents :
New beginnings, growth and harmony
I guess there is a reason why I was attracted to the Koru Rose Quartz pendant or probably I just love the look of them. Either way, if you are down in New Zealand, I think it is worth to get hold of the various traditional, New Zealand jade pendant designs and I am pretty sure you will love it! :)
Friday, November 04, 2011
If you kling to me, I'll klong to you - The Chemical Brothers
I think I need a bit of an energy to kick start the day today. What better way to start with a boost of The Chemical Brothers.
Enjoy the beat!
If you kling to me, I'll klong to you - The Chemical Brothers
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gTJagP_0Mw0
Just in case you are wondering what is klong, check it out here from Urban Dictionary : klong.
Enjoy the beat!
If you kling to me, I'll klong to you - The Chemical Brothers
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gTJagP_0Mw0
Just in case you are wondering what is klong, check it out here from Urban Dictionary : klong.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Quote of The Day : People Can Give Up On You, But Never Ever Give Up On Yourself
Quote of The Day : “People can give up on you, but never ever give up on yourself.”
Life can be tough and hard on you when the people you admire or look up the most tend to give up hope on you. You lost hope and you feel down, upset with just about everything. This happens a lot of time in life where people can and will give up on you but never ever in any circumstances for you to decide to give up on yourself. People can fail on you but if you decided to fail or give up on yourself, you will never get anywhere.
Therefore, this is a quick tip on how you can handle situations like this so that you can always rely and give hope to yourself. In return for all those words that people tell you that "you can't and it is impossible for you” , what you can do is to take those words, I know it is hurtful and hard to swallow as a motivation for you to keep on going. Those words which at most times are pure negativity can be YOUR FUEL for you to achieve bigger things in life and to prove them wrong.Take those words as a challenge and keep on working to make things work for you and not for them.
Hence, never give up on yourself when others seem to give up and fail on you. Be resilient and keep on going.
I have personally seen success on myself whenever people have doubted on me and even probably lost hope on me. I also have a lot of successful friends who are now high achievers because we have been given up on and time and again we have proved them wrong. If right now, you think you want to throw out the towel and give up because others are giving up hope on you, I hope you are reading this now and I want you to not give in just yet.
Dig deeper, work harder, make vital changes, make mistakes and learn, keep on hoping and going and never ever give up on YOURSELF. Let's make things work people and all the best in the things that you are working for!
Life can be tough and hard on you when the people you admire or look up the most tend to give up hope on you. You lost hope and you feel down, upset with just about everything. This happens a lot of time in life where people can and will give up on you but never ever in any circumstances for you to decide to give up on yourself. People can fail on you but if you decided to fail or give up on yourself, you will never get anywhere.
Therefore, this is a quick tip on how you can handle situations like this so that you can always rely and give hope to yourself. In return for all those words that people tell you that "you can't and it is impossible for you” , what you can do is to take those words, I know it is hurtful and hard to swallow as a motivation for you to keep on going. Those words which at most times are pure negativity can be YOUR FUEL for you to achieve bigger things in life and to prove them wrong.Take those words as a challenge and keep on working to make things work for you and not for them.
Hence, never give up on yourself when others seem to give up and fail on you. Be resilient and keep on going.
I have personally seen success on myself whenever people have doubted on me and even probably lost hope on me. I also have a lot of successful friends who are now high achievers because we have been given up on and time and again we have proved them wrong. If right now, you think you want to throw out the towel and give up because others are giving up hope on you, I hope you are reading this now and I want you to not give in just yet.
Dig deeper, work harder, make vital changes, make mistakes and learn, keep on hoping and going and never ever give up on YOURSELF. Let's make things work people and all the best in the things that you are working for!
How To Make Masala Chai
How to Make Masala Chai :
This is a recipe I picked up from one of the cooking shows over at Travel and Living Channel (TLC). Chai essentially means tea and Masala Chai is a perfect combination of spices mixed over a boiling water of black tea.
Here are the ingredients needed to make your very own Masala Chai at home :
Methods :
As long as you have all the basic ingredients handy around the kitchen pantry, Masala Chai is really dead easy and simple to make. Best of all it is way cheaper than the one in the coffee shops. With the combination of cardamoms and ginger, that is a sure way to release heat and gas out of your system. Moreover, the pepper corns brings out a bit of heat in the chai and I think that gives this Masala Chai a bit of a kick with an overall taste of spice and flavour in a milk tea.This recipe on How To Make Masala Chai is a difinite must try for all you tea lovers out there and happy drinking!
This is a recipe I picked up from one of the cooking shows over at Travel and Living Channel (TLC). Chai essentially means tea and Masala Chai is a perfect combination of spices mixed over a boiling water of black tea.
Here are the ingredients needed to make your very own Masala Chai at home :
- loose black tea is much preferred than one of those in the tea bags
- a couple pods of green cardamoms
- some slices of ginger
- a couple of cinnamon sticks
- some black pepper corns
Methods :
- Heat some water in a pot until it comes to a boil
- Then, pour in all the ingredients mentioned above : black tea, cardamoms, ginger, cinnamon sticks, black pepper corns and turn off the heat.
- Let the tea and the whole mix steep for a couple of minutes ( probably about 5 minutes)
- Add sugar and milk
- Sift and pour over a cup and enjoy your Masala Chai
As long as you have all the basic ingredients handy around the kitchen pantry, Masala Chai is really dead easy and simple to make. Best of all it is way cheaper than the one in the coffee shops. With the combination of cardamoms and ginger, that is a sure way to release heat and gas out of your system. Moreover, the pepper corns brings out a bit of heat in the chai and I think that gives this Masala Chai a bit of a kick with an overall taste of spice and flavour in a milk tea.This recipe on How To Make Masala Chai is a difinite must try for all you tea lovers out there and happy drinking!
Friday, October 21, 2011
Coldplay - Paradise From The Album Mylo Xyloto
Paradise is simply awesome, man! If you are big, big fan of Coldplay, do check out their new album, Mylo Xyloto coming soon this October 24. At the mean time, enjoy Paradise by Coldplay :
Coldplay - Paradise
http://youtu.be/1G4isv_Fylg
Paradise Lyrics by Coldplay :
When she was just a girl
She expected the world
But it flew away from her reach so
She ran away in her sleep
And dreamed of
Para-para-paradise, Para-para-paradise, Para-para-paradise
Every time she closed her eyes
When she was just a girl
She expected the world
But it flew away from her reach
And the bullets catch in her teeth
Life goes on, it gets so heavy
The wheel breaks the butterfly
Every tear a waterfall
In the night the stormy night she'll close her eyes
In the night the stormy night away she'd fly
[ Lyrics from: http://www.lyricsfreak.com/c/coldplay/paradise_20980626.html ]
And dreams of
Para-para-paradise
Para-para-paradise
Para-para-paradise
Oh oh oh oh oh oh-oh-oh
She'd dream of
Para-para-paradise
Para-para-paradise
Para-para-paradise
Oh oh oh oh oh oh-oh-oh-oh
La-la-la-la-la-la-la
La-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la
And so lying underneath those stormy skies
She'd say, "oh, ohohohoh I know the sun must set to rise"
This could be
Para-para-paradise
Para-para-paradise
This could be
Para-para-paradise
Oh oh oh oh oh oh-oh-oh
This could be
Para-para-paradise
Para-para-paradise
This could be
Para-para-paradise
Oh oh oh oh oh oh-oh-oh-oh
Coldplay - Paradise
http://youtu.be/1G4isv_Fylg
Paradise Lyrics by Coldplay :
When she was just a girl
She expected the world
But it flew away from her reach so
She ran away in her sleep
And dreamed of
Para-para-paradise, Para-para-paradise, Para-para-paradise
Every time she closed her eyes
When she was just a girl
She expected the world
But it flew away from her reach
And the bullets catch in her teeth
Life goes on, it gets so heavy
The wheel breaks the butterfly
Every tear a waterfall
In the night the stormy night she'll close her eyes
In the night the stormy night away she'd fly
[ Lyrics from: http://www.lyricsfreak.com/c/coldplay/paradise_20980626.html ]
And dreams of
Para-para-paradise
Para-para-paradise
Para-para-paradise
Oh oh oh oh oh oh-oh-oh
She'd dream of
Para-para-paradise
Para-para-paradise
Para-para-paradise
Oh oh oh oh oh oh-oh-oh-oh
La-la-la-la-la-la-la
La-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la
And so lying underneath those stormy skies
She'd say, "oh, ohohohoh I know the sun must set to rise"
This could be
Para-para-paradise
Para-para-paradise
This could be
Para-para-paradise
Oh oh oh oh oh oh-oh-oh
This could be
Para-para-paradise
Para-para-paradise
This could be
Para-para-paradise
Oh oh oh oh oh oh-oh-oh-oh
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Quote Of The Day : Setting Priorities In Your Relationship
I have decided to finally start with a Quote Of The Day, once a week at this blog. So yeah, let's get this started.
Quote Of The Day : Setting Priorities in Your Relationship
"If you spend too long holding on to the one who treats you like an option, you will miss finding someone who treats you like a priority." - Unknown.
I suppose this quote speaks true to its meaning when it boils down to any relationship that you are currently dealing with. It could be a relationship between you and another person, between you and your commitment to yourself, relationship between you and your family, relationship between you and your belief or God, relationship between you and other living things in this world and pretty much any kind of relationship that we possibly could be dealing with at the present time.
In any relationship, the best way to make things work for you or for both parties is to simply prioritize on what matter the most and never ever take things as granted or taking things as an option. Therefore, for matters to work, do set your priorities on them ( it could be in a form of executing plans, attending to issues, making important things come first and etc.) and constantly value the relationship at hand. I believe prioritizing is a way of putting a high level of commitment, trust and work on things. Set your priorities, know what are your priorities and make that relationship work!
Quote Of The Day : Setting Priorities in Your Relationship
"If you spend too long holding on to the one who treats you like an option, you will miss finding someone who treats you like a priority." - Unknown.
I suppose this quote speaks true to its meaning when it boils down to any relationship that you are currently dealing with. It could be a relationship between you and another person, between you and your commitment to yourself, relationship between you and your family, relationship between you and your belief or God, relationship between you and other living things in this world and pretty much any kind of relationship that we possibly could be dealing with at the present time.
In any relationship, the best way to make things work for you or for both parties is to simply prioritize on what matter the most and never ever take things as granted or taking things as an option. Therefore, for matters to work, do set your priorities on them ( it could be in a form of executing plans, attending to issues, making important things come first and etc.) and constantly value the relationship at hand. I believe prioritizing is a way of putting a high level of commitment, trust and work on things. Set your priorities, know what are your priorities and make that relationship work!
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Funny Travel Stories : Morning Toilet Run - View From The Train In India
A bunch of us friends were travelling on a 12-hour plus train journey through India. Sleeping overnight in the Sleeper Class an equivalent to the Third-Class Coach was horrible for me. Suffice to say, I didn't get much rest throughout the night. I woke up the next day waiting anxiously to get out of the train but we had still a few more hours to go until we reached our destination.
At around 7 am , the train traversed the local village and a couple of us including myself were sticking out our heads out of the window to breathe in the cool, morning air. At that moment, it was a blessing to breathe in something so refreshing until we were greeted with something absolutely shocking. Brace yourself people...
The train passed through a big field and we spotted a couple of grown men walking on towards different areas of the field. Most of them dispersed towards the far end of the field which was 'unfortunately' the nearest to the railway and obviously nearest to us peering over the window. Still eyeing closely on these men (which by the thought of this now, was the a huge mistake) and utterly clueless on what they were doing, we saw one after another, back facing our way, stripped down their trousers, baring directly towards us their now bare, naked bottoms and hastily squatting down amongst the tall grass in the open field.
We grasped in total shock, by now already figured it all out that these men were apparently doing their daily morning toilet run out in the open field. Before we knew it, we saw more grown men casually lowering down their pants and more naked butts flashed our way during that short frame of time. Now come to think of it, it could possibly be a good few minutes that the train travelled through the morning 'toilet rush hour' at the open field.
That was certainly a weird and rather unpleasant way to be greeted in the morning. But hey, we had a good laugh right after that and how often do you get to see that kind of 'view' during your travel? So yeah, that was totally bizarre in a funny way, depending on how far you can take 'grossness' in this life. Next time if you are down in India and travelling by train, do look out or more like watch out for this 'morning toilet run'. Haha.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
My New Favourite Radio Station : Radio Mozart
Radio Mozart is incredibly awesome and it is presently, my new favourite radio station to listen to. I can't believe that I haven't listen to them a long time ago. You can listen to them via Media Player, iTunes, Facebook or go directly to their link. I feel that their music are more soothing than any pop or rock songs. You simply can't go wrong with true classical music and Mozart is definitely one of the best music to listen to.
For more of Radio Mozart , click here
or simply listen below!
For more of Radio Mozart , click here
or simply listen below!
Monday, October 10, 2011
Photo Travel : Great New Zealand Road Trip - Let's count the sheep!
This is quite possible one of the best views that anyone can look forward to if you are on the Great New Zealand Road Trip driving around the South Island, New Zealand . We travelled by car heading down south from Christchurch to Mount Cook. Along the way, we were greeted by breathtakingly beautiful mountain views and thousands of acres of green fields filled with among them the grazing sheep.
[caption id="attachment_2417" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Photo travel : Great New Zealand Road Trip - Can you count the sheep?"]
[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_2418" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Sheep grazing at the open field in New Zealand"]
[/caption]
The sheep are obviously having a great time at the open field and I got to say that they are the luckiest sheep in the world for having to live in that view and environment every single day! If you are travelling down to New Zealand, do make sure to make a stop by the roadside and capture these beautiful view for yourself.
[caption id="attachment_2417" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Photo travel : Great New Zealand Road Trip - Can you count the sheep?"]
[/caption][caption id="attachment_2418" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Sheep grazing at the open field in New Zealand"]
[/caption]The sheep are obviously having a great time at the open field and I got to say that they are the luckiest sheep in the world for having to live in that view and environment every single day! If you are travelling down to New Zealand, do make sure to make a stop by the roadside and capture these beautiful view for yourself.
Wednesday, October 05, 2011
I guess I am perfectly normal ...
I've realized one big thing in this blog, I don't allow myself to spill out my personal thoughts and probably once in a blue moon, I should do just that. Something that I think I'm going to do just about now. Sometimes I do feel like I'm totally focusing on solely writing about travels and the outdoors and probably I don't connect much to you readers. But then again, do I need to feel connected with you guys? Haha. Anyways, anyhow, I'm feeling perfectly happy for the past couple of days which I blame totally on hormones and nothing less. And of course, I'm blessed and thankful for all these lingering in the air 'happy hormones'. :)
Also, I guess I am perfectly normal to sometimes feel this way, the way I am insanely loving this song by Colbie Caillat called I Do. When I say I love it, I do spin the song on repeat for the gazillion times until probably for the next few days I'll just get over it and start listening to other tunes. No matter what, in between switching to songs like this to my usual trance/dance music, I will always ended up sticking by to Colbie because somehow or rather, her lyrics seems true to what I may feel during the moment. So yeah, this is me getting down and personal ya'll! :)
Colbie Caillat - I Do!
http://youtu.be/E0oyglKjbFQ
Also, I guess I am perfectly normal to sometimes feel this way, the way I am insanely loving this song by Colbie Caillat called I Do. When I say I love it, I do spin the song on repeat for the gazillion times until probably for the next few days I'll just get over it and start listening to other tunes. No matter what, in between switching to songs like this to my usual trance/dance music, I will always ended up sticking by to Colbie because somehow or rather, her lyrics seems true to what I may feel during the moment. So yeah, this is me getting down and personal ya'll! :)
Colbie Caillat - I Do!
http://youtu.be/E0oyglKjbFQ
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Animals Anecdotes : The Cow Whisperer
On our Great New Zealand Road Trip back in April this year, we drove through the beautiful country side and somehow making our way through farms thanks to the 'shortest route' option from the GPS. Along the way, we saw this particular cow grazing by the fence right next to our car. Hence, we slowed down the car and decided to make a little chat ala 'Cow Whispering' with this cow.
The one saying "Hallo" is my mum while I make the initial 'moo-ing' sound in attempt for a response from it. What do we know, we got a pretty 'conversational moo' from Mr.Cow ( I am not sure of its gender though. Pardon me for the lack of knowledge on this one. Hehe)
Of course, fun and awesome things needed to be captured on video and I made a video for this Cow Whispering Moment! Hope you will enjoy watching it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhn9lbtGpu4
The one saying "Hallo" is my mum while I make the initial 'moo-ing' sound in attempt for a response from it. What do we know, we got a pretty 'conversational moo' from Mr.Cow ( I am not sure of its gender though. Pardon me for the lack of knowledge on this one. Hehe)
Of course, fun and awesome things needed to be captured on video and I made a video for this Cow Whispering Moment! Hope you will enjoy watching it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhn9lbtGpu4
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Photo Travel : Teh Botol Sosro, Indonesia
Teh Botol Sosro - you couldn't get any more Indonesian than that!
[caption id="attachment_2389" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="Teh botol Sosro Jasmine Tea - Indonesian popular drink"]
[/caption]
Teh Botol Sosro is loosely translated as Bottled Tea ( Teh = Tea, Botol = Bottle; Indonesian is easy to learn huh? ). When it boils down to the exact taste of Teh Botol it is actually a Jasmine Flavoured Tea, best to drink it cold and this Teh Botol is like a much better version of the typical Iced Lemon tea. The smell of Jasmine in the tea is pretty strong and for that I love this Teh Botol hands down.
If you would like to discover just a miniscule taste of Indonesia, I guess having a sip of Teh Botol can kick start your adventure, journey and discovery of Indonesia. And yes, Teh Botol Sosro is a MUST beverage to taste if you are visiting Indonesia or if you can ever find one in your nearest Indonesian grocery store around your place. It is THAT good and if you love flavoured tea like yours truly, having a go at Teh Botol is a definite must. It will not let you down. :)
I couldn't stress this more - Teh Botol Sosro : You couldn't get any more Indonesian from that drink! I simply love it.
[caption id="attachment_2389" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="Teh botol Sosro Jasmine Tea - Indonesian popular drink"]
[/caption]Teh Botol Sosro is loosely translated as Bottled Tea ( Teh = Tea, Botol = Bottle; Indonesian is easy to learn huh? ). When it boils down to the exact taste of Teh Botol it is actually a Jasmine Flavoured Tea, best to drink it cold and this Teh Botol is like a much better version of the typical Iced Lemon tea. The smell of Jasmine in the tea is pretty strong and for that I love this Teh Botol hands down.
If you would like to discover just a miniscule taste of Indonesia, I guess having a sip of Teh Botol can kick start your adventure, journey and discovery of Indonesia. And yes, Teh Botol Sosro is a MUST beverage to taste if you are visiting Indonesia or if you can ever find one in your nearest Indonesian grocery store around your place. It is THAT good and if you love flavoured tea like yours truly, having a go at Teh Botol is a definite must. It will not let you down. :)
I couldn't stress this more - Teh Botol Sosro : You couldn't get any more Indonesian from that drink! I simply love it.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Foodie Road Trip : Nasi Kandar Line Clear, Penang Road - The Best Ever!
The latest of the foodie road trip, brought me to the island of pearls - Penang Island, Malaysia. Penang is THE place to head down to up north the peninsular Malaysia for the melting pot, totally only found in Malaysia, super delicious varieties of food! One dish you must always have a try in Penang is none other than the Nasi Kandar. Among one of the best Nasi Kandar in the city center of Penang is Nasi Kandar Line Clear.
[caption id="attachment_2369" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="Nasi Kandar Line Clear at Penang Road - By far the one of the best Nasi Kandar in Penang! A must place to eat in Penang."]
[/caption]
This tiny restaurant is located along Penang Road just a couple of walk away from the Chowrasta Bazaar. It is basically sandwiched between another nasi kandar restaurant ( Nasi Kandar Yasmeen) and a shop lot. The easiest landmark to get to Penang Road is to head for Komtar - the tall white tower which is visible from the ferry ride towards Penang Island as you are approaching near the jetty.
[caption id="attachment_2370" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Nasi Kandar Line Clear is part of Penang's Heritage Restaurant and it has been in business since 1930"]
[/caption]
Line Clear has been serving its totally delicious nasi kandar and arrays of curries along with it since the 1930. Any businesses that have been going on for that long is a sure way to tell that it got to be good and yes they are among one of the best in town.
[caption id="attachment_2371" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Line Clear lunch hour queue"]
[/caption]
Nasi Kandar Line Clear is opened 24 hours around the clock and the dishes are cook hot and fresh on site. I couldn't get a picture of the food selections because of the lunch hour queue. In general you can choose to have plain rice with any choice of food/curries that you like or you can opt for the briyani rice. Some of the selections always readily available on the menus are super huge fish head curry, honey chicken, fried chicken, kurma, black chicken, curry chicken, mutton curry, fish curry, fried fish roe, selections of fried vegetables, eggs omelette and many more.
[caption id="attachment_2373" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Some of the dishes we picked up - Curry Chicken, Honey Chicken, Fried Chicken Mamak Style, Huge Spicy Red Prawn"]
[/caption]
My favourite choice for an awesome plate of Nasi Kandar will usually be half plain white rice ( I always order half because the portion of rice is really huge), honey chicken, fried cabbage and the best of all is to request for 'kuah campur' - literally translated as 'mix gravy/curry' where you pour every single curries available on your plate of rice. By putting the 'curries' all the way on the plate, you get to taste the different flavour of spices, sweet, sour, and most importantly it's hot and spicy just how we Malaysians love it. We love our food hot and spicy man! And to quench your thirst and to overcome the heat of the nasi kandar, my pledge to you is to always order a 'teh tarik ais' (iced pulled tea). Penang's mamak style teh tarik ais is simply the best. It's cold, sweet, and a milky tea. Quite mutually agreed by many as the best combination to have with a plate of nasi kandar!
There you go , a little review of Nasi Kandar Line Clear only and only available by the roadside of Penang Road in Penang Island! If you are down in Penang Island, do hunt down for Nasi Kandar Line Clear. Ask around the locals for direction if you are lost and they may even give you other tips on better and new nasi kandar places to hunt down to!
[caption id="attachment_2369" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="Nasi Kandar Line Clear at Penang Road - By far the one of the best Nasi Kandar in Penang! A must place to eat in Penang."]
[/caption]This tiny restaurant is located along Penang Road just a couple of walk away from the Chowrasta Bazaar. It is basically sandwiched between another nasi kandar restaurant ( Nasi Kandar Yasmeen) and a shop lot. The easiest landmark to get to Penang Road is to head for Komtar - the tall white tower which is visible from the ferry ride towards Penang Island as you are approaching near the jetty.
[caption id="attachment_2370" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Nasi Kandar Line Clear is part of Penang's Heritage Restaurant and it has been in business since 1930"]
[/caption]Line Clear has been serving its totally delicious nasi kandar and arrays of curries along with it since the 1930. Any businesses that have been going on for that long is a sure way to tell that it got to be good and yes they are among one of the best in town.
[caption id="attachment_2371" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Line Clear lunch hour queue"]
[/caption]Nasi Kandar Line Clear is opened 24 hours around the clock and the dishes are cook hot and fresh on site. I couldn't get a picture of the food selections because of the lunch hour queue. In general you can choose to have plain rice with any choice of food/curries that you like or you can opt for the briyani rice. Some of the selections always readily available on the menus are super huge fish head curry, honey chicken, fried chicken, kurma, black chicken, curry chicken, mutton curry, fish curry, fried fish roe, selections of fried vegetables, eggs omelette and many more.
[caption id="attachment_2373" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Some of the dishes we picked up - Curry Chicken, Honey Chicken, Fried Chicken Mamak Style, Huge Spicy Red Prawn"]
[/caption]My favourite choice for an awesome plate of Nasi Kandar will usually be half plain white rice ( I always order half because the portion of rice is really huge), honey chicken, fried cabbage and the best of all is to request for 'kuah campur' - literally translated as 'mix gravy/curry' where you pour every single curries available on your plate of rice. By putting the 'curries' all the way on the plate, you get to taste the different flavour of spices, sweet, sour, and most importantly it's hot and spicy just how we Malaysians love it. We love our food hot and spicy man! And to quench your thirst and to overcome the heat of the nasi kandar, my pledge to you is to always order a 'teh tarik ais' (iced pulled tea). Penang's mamak style teh tarik ais is simply the best. It's cold, sweet, and a milky tea. Quite mutually agreed by many as the best combination to have with a plate of nasi kandar!
There you go , a little review of Nasi Kandar Line Clear only and only available by the roadside of Penang Road in Penang Island! If you are down in Penang Island, do hunt down for Nasi Kandar Line Clear. Ask around the locals for direction if you are lost and they may even give you other tips on better and new nasi kandar places to hunt down to!
Sunday, September 11, 2011
I'm On A Meat Eating Diet Streak!
For the past couple of months, I think I have successfully lost a 'big' amount of weight and when I say 'big' it is actually a small figure comparatively to other normal, average people. The reason is simple - I am one of those people skinny people who struggle to gain even a kilo and losing even just a precious kilo can pretty much leaves me feeling lethargic and less energetic in a whole. Thus, for the sake of gaining quick kilos, I have decided to start eating more meat. And yes, I am officially on a meat eating diet streak! Welcome Read Meat!
By far, I have been taking in sugary soda drinks, lots of chocolates and chocolates cookies, cookies of all range, oily crisps and the best part of all less and less vegetables although I have managed to squeeze in a single fruit portion into the daily diet. Haha. So far, I am not seeing any increase on the weight and I wonder how far this is going to eventually 'hurt' my stomach.
Anyways, at the moment I am loving my meat and I shall have some hopefully delicious, juicy, tender and it melts in your mouth, 1 day old marinated steak for dinner tonight. Oh man, I'm salivating just thinking about it. Until more food updates to come and happy eating!
By far, I have been taking in sugary soda drinks, lots of chocolates and chocolates cookies, cookies of all range, oily crisps and the best part of all less and less vegetables although I have managed to squeeze in a single fruit portion into the daily diet. Haha. So far, I am not seeing any increase on the weight and I wonder how far this is going to eventually 'hurt' my stomach.
Anyways, at the moment I am loving my meat and I shall have some hopefully delicious, juicy, tender and it melts in your mouth, 1 day old marinated steak for dinner tonight. Oh man, I'm salivating just thinking about it. Until more food updates to come and happy eating!
Friday, August 26, 2011
Spaghetti Crayfish Recipe in 30 Minutes
It's time again for a quick cook up for just 30 minutes.Trust me this is one super delicious meal you can whip up for lunch or dinner today. Let's get started with the Spaghetti Crayfish Recipe:
1. Get you hands on some fresh crayfish or some freshly cooked ones.
[caption id="attachment_2353" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Get your hands on some freshly cooked crayfish. We got one from a lady selling seafood along the coastal, sea view road from Kaikoura, New Zealand heading up north."]
[/caption]
2. The choice of pasta is totally up to you. For this version, I was actually using egg noodles because I just felt like it.Haha. You see cooking is fun and just go about with what you feel like having for the day and cook around it. Follow the cooking instructions for your pasta usually written on the cover of the pasta bag and it shouldn't take more than 12 minutes or so.
3. For the pasta or spaghetti sauce, these are the things that I used:
- I'm Asian and I love it spicy and hot, hence the red chilli is a must have. Chopped it up small for the extra kick of heat in the sauce and the other extra ingredient is to add on a couple of tea spoons of spicy curry powder. The curry powder I used for this dish is Vencat Curry Powder and you can get it readily available in most stores around New Zealand. I couldn't stress how much I adore this particular curry powder.
[caption id="attachment_2357" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="The fiery Vencat Curry Powder!"]
[/caption]
- Diced some onions, tomatoes, celery (optional)
- Tomato puree or one of those tomato spaghetti sauce in the can or bottle
- Italian herbs or mix herbs (any kind of herbs of your choice)
- Cut up the crayfish into smaller pieces and keep the head too because that's where the sweet crayfish juices will come from
4. To make the Crayfish Pasta Sauce, simply heat the pot, pour some oil in and saute the onions, diced tomatoes, diced chilli and herbs. Next throw in the tomato puree / tomato spaghetti sauce and add in a bit of water. Just as the sauce started to boil, throw in the diced crayfish and the head. Throw in everything, don't even miss a leg of the crayfish. Haha. For taste, add on some pepper and salt. And you are ready to serve!
The end result of this Spaghetti Crayfish in a quick 30 minutes cook up looks like this:
[caption id="attachment_2354" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Any kind of noodles or pasta will work too! This one I used egg noodles instead. The most important part is the spaghetti sauce with the crayfish in it!"]
[/caption]
And the close up version of the Crayfish Pasta Sauce! Yum!
[caption id="attachment_2355" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="The killer crayfish pasta or spaghetti sauce"]
[/caption]
Cooking pasta is really easy and if you happen to have crayfish available around you, you should try out this Spaghetti Crayfish Recipe. It is simply divine! Ah, I'm drooling just writing about this. Give this recipe a try and happy cooking!
1. Get you hands on some fresh crayfish or some freshly cooked ones.
[caption id="attachment_2353" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Get your hands on some freshly cooked crayfish. We got one from a lady selling seafood along the coastal, sea view road from Kaikoura, New Zealand heading up north."]
[/caption]2. The choice of pasta is totally up to you. For this version, I was actually using egg noodles because I just felt like it.Haha. You see cooking is fun and just go about with what you feel like having for the day and cook around it. Follow the cooking instructions for your pasta usually written on the cover of the pasta bag and it shouldn't take more than 12 minutes or so.
3. For the pasta or spaghetti sauce, these are the things that I used:
- I'm Asian and I love it spicy and hot, hence the red chilli is a must have. Chopped it up small for the extra kick of heat in the sauce and the other extra ingredient is to add on a couple of tea spoons of spicy curry powder. The curry powder I used for this dish is Vencat Curry Powder and you can get it readily available in most stores around New Zealand. I couldn't stress how much I adore this particular curry powder.
[caption id="attachment_2357" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="The fiery Vencat Curry Powder!"]
[/caption]- Diced some onions, tomatoes, celery (optional)
- Tomato puree or one of those tomato spaghetti sauce in the can or bottle
- Italian herbs or mix herbs (any kind of herbs of your choice)
- Cut up the crayfish into smaller pieces and keep the head too because that's where the sweet crayfish juices will come from
4. To make the Crayfish Pasta Sauce, simply heat the pot, pour some oil in and saute the onions, diced tomatoes, diced chilli and herbs. Next throw in the tomato puree / tomato spaghetti sauce and add in a bit of water. Just as the sauce started to boil, throw in the diced crayfish and the head. Throw in everything, don't even miss a leg of the crayfish. Haha. For taste, add on some pepper and salt. And you are ready to serve!
The end result of this Spaghetti Crayfish in a quick 30 minutes cook up looks like this:
[caption id="attachment_2354" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Any kind of noodles or pasta will work too! This one I used egg noodles instead. The most important part is the spaghetti sauce with the crayfish in it!"]
[/caption]And the close up version of the Crayfish Pasta Sauce! Yum!
[caption id="attachment_2355" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="The killer crayfish pasta or spaghetti sauce"]
[/caption]Cooking pasta is really easy and if you happen to have crayfish available around you, you should try out this Spaghetti Crayfish Recipe. It is simply divine! Ah, I'm drooling just writing about this. Give this recipe a try and happy cooking!
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Traveling Malaysia During Ramadan Month in August 2011| Food Bazaar Malaysia
The weather in general all over Peninsular Malaysia as of right now August 22 is wet, raining and cooling. I think most of us, well at least for me, I have been anticipating for some rain to come pouring to counter the hot weather. They also say that when it rains, it is a sign of blessing. Well I think it is true!
I'm not so sure if the rainy season is starting to kick in which explains the amount of rain we have been getting lately since the last couple of days. Most probably it is that time of the year again, when it rains, it pours. If you are traveling around Malaysia at this time of the year, please remember to at least have an umbrella handy and be prepared to get wet. There are still a lot of places for you to visit especially for this month, it is the month of Ramadan where the majority of Muslims in Malaysia is fasting for the whole month.
Being Malaysians, we love our food and at this point of the holy month, there will be a lot of food bazaars or what the local calls it as "Bazar Ramadan or Pasar Ramadan" and with these food bazaars around, it is the best time ever to sample delicious arrays of local food. The bazaars are located in most townships and it will be opened usually around 3pm until about 7+ pm just before the time where people will break their fast. These Bazar Ramadan all around Malaysia is the place to go to for FOOD and generally pretty much everyone (of different races and religions) in Malaysia will be doing some major food hunting down at these bazaars because it is the only time of the year where you get to feast and find certain type of food that you don't usually see on normal days being sold on the street.
Food prices are generally cheap, there are a lot of varieties that will drive you nuts and you will be tempted to buy a whole lot of food but you will certainly enjoy the chow down. :) Besides that, by the end of this month, after a long full month of fasting, the Muslims will be celebrating Eid or what the local will call it as "Hari Raya Aidilfitri" and usually there will be a lot of open houses going on for the next one month where everyone is welcome to pay a visit and have a big feast. There will be a lot of eating great food involved and if you are a foreigner traveling down in Malaysia by end of this month, do watch out for some major 'Hari Raya' Open Houses that the Prime Minister will usually host for everyone to come and eat free delicious Malaysian food on the first day of Eid.
So there you go, there are still a lot of things to look forward to in Malaysia at least in the food travel categories despite the rainy weather that has been pouring for days now in this month. It is a happy celebration of food for everyone in Malaysia now and of course a holy celebration for those Muslims in this holy month and that is more than enough reason for you to come over and travel in Malaysia this month. :)
I'm not so sure if the rainy season is starting to kick in which explains the amount of rain we have been getting lately since the last couple of days. Most probably it is that time of the year again, when it rains, it pours. If you are traveling around Malaysia at this time of the year, please remember to at least have an umbrella handy and be prepared to get wet. There are still a lot of places for you to visit especially for this month, it is the month of Ramadan where the majority of Muslims in Malaysia is fasting for the whole month.
Being Malaysians, we love our food and at this point of the holy month, there will be a lot of food bazaars or what the local calls it as "Bazar Ramadan or Pasar Ramadan" and with these food bazaars around, it is the best time ever to sample delicious arrays of local food. The bazaars are located in most townships and it will be opened usually around 3pm until about 7+ pm just before the time where people will break their fast. These Bazar Ramadan all around Malaysia is the place to go to for FOOD and generally pretty much everyone (of different races and religions) in Malaysia will be doing some major food hunting down at these bazaars because it is the only time of the year where you get to feast and find certain type of food that you don't usually see on normal days being sold on the street.
Food prices are generally cheap, there are a lot of varieties that will drive you nuts and you will be tempted to buy a whole lot of food but you will certainly enjoy the chow down. :) Besides that, by the end of this month, after a long full month of fasting, the Muslims will be celebrating Eid or what the local will call it as "Hari Raya Aidilfitri" and usually there will be a lot of open houses going on for the next one month where everyone is welcome to pay a visit and have a big feast. There will be a lot of eating great food involved and if you are a foreigner traveling down in Malaysia by end of this month, do watch out for some major 'Hari Raya' Open Houses that the Prime Minister will usually host for everyone to come and eat free delicious Malaysian food on the first day of Eid.
So there you go, there are still a lot of things to look forward to in Malaysia at least in the food travel categories despite the rainy weather that has been pouring for days now in this month. It is a happy celebration of food for everyone in Malaysia now and of course a holy celebration for those Muslims in this holy month and that is more than enough reason for you to come over and travel in Malaysia this month. :)
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Animals Anecdotes 27 : The Army of Ants
I stumbled upon these army of ants while I was hiking up a hill and these ants kept on marching in rows of what seemed like multiple rows of little black dots. They were literally 'streaming' through the jungle going up and down the hilly path and there were like hundreds or possibly thousands of them. When you are hiking in the jungle, watch out for these troopers especially if you are hiking in Malaysia. The last thing you wanted to do is to step on these black ants and I'm pretty sure they can sting you hard. So, do watch out!
[caption id="attachment_2339" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Highway of black ants in the jungle, Malaysia"]
[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_2340" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="Army of Ants streaming their way through the jungle floor"]
[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_2341" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="Black ants troopers heading to the tree"]
[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_2339" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Highway of black ants in the jungle, Malaysia"]
[/caption][caption id="attachment_2340" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="Army of Ants streaming their way through the jungle floor"]
[/caption][caption id="attachment_2341" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="Black ants troopers heading to the tree"]
[/caption]Wednesday, August 10, 2011
7 Random Interesting, Quick Facts About Kuching, Sarawak
I'll make this a short intro or more like a no intro at all. So here goes the 7 Random Interesting, Quick Facts About Kuching, Sarawak that you may want to know and probably agree at how interesting they really are. Let's get on with it ...
[caption id="attachment_2327" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="A postcard picture of a cool dude of the ethnic people of Sarawak talking on the phone . This is yet another random interesting facts about Kuching, Sarawak. Mind you, Kuching is pretty urban and modern though, you don't get to see much of people dressing up like this in Kuching town. :)"]
[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_2328" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Bemban Mat with Aeroplane design"]
[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_2329" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Iban guy playing Sape at Kuching Waterfront * excuse the picture quality of my low pixel camera phone :)"]
[/caption]
Suffice to say that I'm really glad I've finally stepped foot at Kuching. Sarawak is the largest state in Malaysia and of course, I'll go back down to Sarawak to explore more of the rainforests and the national parks. Hopefully, the next time around I'm down in Sarawak, I can learn up more Sarawakian slangs which I did learnt a few from the friendly 'old lady' and probably blend well with the locals again. It couldn't get any better when complete strangers simply open up to you during your travel. It makes traveling simply worthwhile.
- I overheard a remark made by a fellow Brit on our shared van to Kuching town which was “Kuching is WAY greener and cleaner than Penang Island”. That I totally have to agree hands down.
[caption id="attachment_2327" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="A postcard picture of a cool dude of the ethnic people of Sarawak talking on the phone . This is yet another random interesting facts about Kuching, Sarawak. Mind you, Kuching is pretty urban and modern though, you don't get to see much of people dressing up like this in Kuching town. :)"]
[/caption]- Kuching town center is pretty much 'walkable' provided that you walk around with good shoes, sunblock, sunglasses, hat/cap/umbrella because Kuching's heat is like “sweat dripping by the buckets kinda heat” and drinking up water throughout your 'walkabout around Kuching town' is a definite must!
- Main Bazaar Street is packed with shops after shops of Kuching's antiques and handicrafts. If you are into Arts and Galleries, it is a must to drop by “Artrageously Ramsayong Art Gallery” located at this Street. You must take a look at the intricate weavings of the bemban mats weaved by the local ethic people and appreciate the amount of effort being put behind the making of those intricately delicate and yes, outrageously beautiful mats.
[caption id="attachment_2328" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Bemban Mat with Aeroplane design"]
[/caption]- Kuching Waterfront which has an awesome view of the Sarawak River is pretty interesting by night time and there will be a lot of food stalls opened in the evening too. Do watch out for a man dressed in traditional Iban attire (nothing much really, just a tiny little 'underpant' with a long piece of beautifully weaved cloth covering the front), with lotsa interesting tatoos too, playing a Sape ( something like a guitar) and it's totally live music. You can drop him some tips and enjoy listening to him play some excellent tunes with his Sape. Oh, he got things amped up a little bit because he'd plugged his Sape with an amplifier. So if you hear some sort of traditional music playing around the waterfront, go hunt for its source and you may find him there.
[caption id="attachment_2329" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Iban guy playing Sape at Kuching Waterfront * excuse the picture quality of my low pixel camera phone :)"]
[/caption]- I've never seen this anywhere but only in Kuching where they actually sweep up the street along the waterfront using a huge, fallen tree leaf and at first I thought it was a joke, but no really, the cleaners who cleans up the fallen leaves use one of those huge tree leaf to sweep up the street. How more eco-friendly can you get than that? Way to go Kuching!
- Sarawakians are so nice, warm, chatty and friendly where you can literally smile and walk up to a person and have a nice conversation over things. Trust me they will be more than happy to talk to you and help you if you ask for any especially when they find out that you are out of town-ers.
- The people are so friendly they kept on asking if I was from Kuching which was really odd and there came to a point where a friendly old lady literally came up to me and striked up 'interesting yet partly interrogative questions about my A-C ...haha' . Also, the lady cleaner at the Kuching Waterfront was really nice she was part sweeper, part Kuching tour guide at least to me and really you will be very happy and all smiley when you are in Kuching or anywhere around Sarawak. The local people are really that nice! :)
Suffice to say that I'm really glad I've finally stepped foot at Kuching. Sarawak is the largest state in Malaysia and of course, I'll go back down to Sarawak to explore more of the rainforests and the national parks. Hopefully, the next time around I'm down in Sarawak, I can learn up more Sarawakian slangs which I did learnt a few from the friendly 'old lady' and probably blend well with the locals again. It couldn't get any better when complete strangers simply open up to you during your travel. It makes traveling simply worthwhile.
Monday, August 08, 2011
Foodie Road Trip : Food You Must Have A Try While in Kuching, Sarawak
One major thing that I always seemed to look forward to during my travel is to hunt down for some of the best local cuisines and try them all as much as I could. One my first ever trip to Kuching, Sarawak about last month, I pretty much have some basic ideas on what are the food that you must have a try while in Kuching, Sarawak and listed below are some of the local dishes that I had tried, tasted and enjoyed in Kuching. So let's see what they are!
[caption id="attachment_2308" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="Laksa Sarawak at Planet Sambal Kuching"]
[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_2309" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="Linut or Ambuyat with sambal belacan"]
[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_2310" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="(bottom to top) Laksa Sarawak Biasa, Linut, Laksa Sarawak Special - Planet Sambal"]
[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_2314" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="Laksa Lobster from Planet Sambal"]
[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_2315" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="Yet another version of Laksa Sarawak located along the narrow street of Bishopgate"]
[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_2316" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="Midin - some kind of 'fern' that is usually eaten stir-fried or in Malay it's called 'pucuk paku'"]
[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_2317" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Tebaloi - Sago Crackers made from sago flour. Really yummy and great for a light snack."]
[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_2318" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="Ayam Pansuh or Manok Pansuh - chicken cooked in bamboo"]
[/caption]
Among other things you should have a try while you are in Kuching are these :
So there you go a list of food you must have a try while traveling in Kuching, Sarawak. That's a wrap for Foodie Road Trip as for now. :)
- Laksa Sarawak version Planet Sambal. Planet Sambal is a restaurant located at Jln Padungan which is "within walking distance" from let say Kuching Waterfront if walking is your thing and you seriously do not mind walking under the hot sun for about 40 minutes or probably more. Hehe. Yeah, I love to walk and it is so worth it to walk this far and accidentally bumped into this shop for a pretty good Laksa Sarawak. Although I was anticipating the curry to look curry-ish red instead of the one I had which was kinda greyish looking curry. The taste is excellent which is something I had never tasted before. I could taste the distinct taste of the 'kerisik' - stir fry dessicated coconut and the laksa is very fragrance topped with generous amount of shrimps and other little bits of vegetables which is an excellent combo!
[caption id="attachment_2308" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="Laksa Sarawak at Planet Sambal Kuching"]
[/caption]- While in the restaurant, I saw a few locals eating this bowl of white gooey stuffs called Linut or Ambuyat which reminded me of sticky glue and I couldn't resist myself from not trying it out and so I ordered one for RM3.50, I think. It came in a pretty big bowl, it's all white and sticky, pretty tasteless, warm and I think it's best eaten warm and I had to ask the waiter how I should I eat it. Haha. So you just swirl the sticky sago around your fork and dip it with the sambal belacan and swallow it down your throat. I attempted a couple of swirls, dipped in sambal and swallowed hard and I rest my case. I would say, it was an interesting food to eat. Hmm...
[caption id="attachment_2309" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="Linut or Ambuyat with sambal belacan"]
[/caption][caption id="attachment_2310" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="(bottom to top) Laksa Sarawak Biasa, Linut, Laksa Sarawak Special - Planet Sambal"]
[/caption]- Planet Sambal also have a new dish listed which is the Laksa Lobster Sarawak. I was stuffed with my Laksa Sarawak and the Linut, so I had to pass on this one although it really look tempting and delicious. You should try it out if you are in Kuching at least at Planet Sambal, Jln Padungan. :)
[caption id="attachment_2314" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="Laksa Lobster from Planet Sambal"]
[/caption]- The next day, during our breakfast hunt, we walked down along Bishop Street and found probably the only Malay coffee shop opened along the street and one of us ordered Laksa Sarawak. Look closely, you will notice that this version of the laksa is different from the one I had at Planet Sambal. I would say, this is very curryish and suited much better with our tongues. Or probably we are used to having this type of red curry Laksa before, hence we concluded that we prefer and like this version of the Laksa Sarawak. But still, I would suggest you to try out the Laksa at Planet Sambal because it sure is different.
[caption id="attachment_2315" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="Yet another version of Laksa Sarawak located along the narrow street of Bishopgate"]
[/caption]- We also tried out on other seafood which are pretty cheap in Kuching comparatively to seafood prices back in KL. The picture below, I wanted to show you that I tried out what the local calls it as 'Midin' - a stir fried fern or for the rest of us Malaysians it's better known as 'Pucuk Paku'.
[caption id="attachment_2316" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="Midin - some kind of 'fern' that is usually eaten stir-fried or in Malay it's called 'pucuk paku'"]
[/caption]- While at Sarawak Cultural Village, we went to this Sago processing area and out of the Sago flour, you can make this lovely, sweet, light cracker called Tebaloi. It's an excellent food for snacks.
[caption id="attachment_2317" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Tebaloi - Sago Crackers made from sago flour. Really yummy and great for a light snack."]
[/caption]- This is the famous Ayam Pansuh or Manok Pansuh - chicken cooked in bamboo which I didn't have the chance to try. Haha. Maybe next time though.
[caption id="attachment_2318" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="Ayam Pansuh or Manok Pansuh - chicken cooked in bamboo"]
[/caption]Among other things you should have a try while you are in Kuching are these :
- Umai - A choice of either raw prawns or fish, looks really yummy and the picture is beautifully captured by http://jamesjg.com/food-and-dining/umai
- Kek Lapis Sarawak - colourful, layered Sarawak cake. There are a lot of varieties and you can buy them best at Kampung Boyan. To get there take the 'bot tambang' at Kuching Waterfron for 5o cent one way to cross the Sarawak River towards Kampung Boyan. There will be shops selling a lot of these Kek Lapis there. You can also buy 'Terubuk Ikan Masin' - freshly salted fish from this area.
- Mee Kolok/ Kolo Mee - I haven't had the chance to try it but there are two version of this Mee Kolok - halal and non-halal.
- Fresh, cheap seafood at Top Spot Seafood Centre. There are a lot of stalls to choose from and the seafood centre is opened at night.
So there you go a list of food you must have a try while traveling in Kuching, Sarawak. That's a wrap for Foodie Road Trip as for now. :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)