Orang Biskut

Gunung Tahan extract

noreply@blogger.com (aichiban) — Fri, 03 Oct 2014 09:05:00 +0000

This is copied from Gunung Tahan.
I will try to write my own version (if I still remember, later).

After a lapse of three years, the seniors of Victoria Scout Group decided to organize another expedition to Gunung Tahan. It was a time to conquer the highest mountain in Peninsular Malaysia once again following a former biennial tradition. It seemed exciting to experience the gruelling journey and to enhance further the name of the troop in the ascent. Yours truly decided to participate in this event after returning to V.I. to continue his studies in Form 6. During the first semester break, twelve scouts from VSG, namely, ASM Leong Kwan Eu , SPL Toh Yung Fei, SPL Yam Wern-Kidd, SPL Lin Han Weng, SPL Mohd Shazli, SS Raja Muazam, SS Alvin Chew, SS Lee Kok Chong, SS Liew Ban Hing, SS Wong Kien Keong, SS Chong Kok Weng and SS Yip Yoke Hwa embarked on an arduous adventure to Gunung Tahan.

On the morning of May 29, we assembled at 8.30 a.m. at the Pekeliling Bus Terminal in high spirits, eager to begin our journey. Our luggage was checked to ensure that all necessary stuff was available. We had prepared enough food to last for ten days just in case it took longer to reach the peak. We brought rice, ikan bilis, peanuts and sambal udang which would be our meals for the next few days. At about 10.00 a.m. the bus arrived and it took us three hours to reach Jerantut. From Jerantut, we had to rush to catch the last bus to Kuala Tembeling. At Kuala Tembeling, we had our lunch and continued our journey by boat. The boat ride journey to Kuala Tahan took about three hours. We could see the beautiful scenery, the sunset and animals such as the seladang and buffalo. Finally at 7.00 p.m. we reached Kuala Tahan and made all the preparations for the journey the next morning. Many of us took the opportunity to phone home before we went to sleep in our tents.

DAY 1 (MAY 30, 1997)

We got up at 6.00 a.m. for breakfast and then prepared our lunch. We then proceeded to the park officer's house to have our belongings checked. Each one of us had to itemize the things he was bringing along to ensure that all the items were brought back down later. Otherwise, a summons would be issued. Plastic bags, batteries, slippers, shoes, bottles and clothing were checked. After getting through the inspection we met our guides.

The journey started at 10.00 a.m. sharp. We had a chat with the two guides and they advised us to be strong mentally and to help each other when necessary. We started off happily with everyone walking steadily through the thick jungle. We passed an orang aslisettlement. The leaves of the big trees blocked most of the sunlight from reaching the jungle trails. Before long some of us started to slow down so we decided to cheer up by singing songs. It proved effective and after three and a half hours we finally reached our first camp, Melantai. The name of this camp aptly described what we were experiencing. We took our lunch consisting of rice, ikan bilis, sambal udang and peanuts to restore our energy.

We had planned to stop there for the day but we decided to continue after discussions with our two guides. We began to encounter steep hills which were totally unexpected and which we found challenging. The hills seemed never ending - after one hill we were only relieved for a while before the next one loomed. Our earlier vigorous training in cycling, running up and down steep hills helped us tremendously in our ascent. At last, we managed to clear the final hill to complete the hike of the Malang Range which comprised 27 undulating hills and a mountain. Kem Tengah was our second destination as we had decided to stop here. The journey took another three hours before we reached Kem Tengah. There we got our water supply from a water source dripping down slowly from a bamboo strip. We ate our dinner and discussed our plans for the next day. Before we turned in, we joked and chatted with each other.

DAY 2 (MAY 31, 1997)

We had to replenish our water supply before continuing our journey to Kuala Puteh. It was not so exhausting as we had already hiked most of the hills the day before. Gunung Raja was our next destination. To hike there we had to push ourselves and give each other motivation because to ascend a mountain is like hiking over five hills. From Gunung Raja, we could get our first view of Gunung Tahan. After Gunung Raja, the journey was all the way down and it was quite easy. We managed to reach Kuala Puteh in three hours. There we had our lunch and took our baths in the nearby river.

Our next destination was Teku. The challenge was really great because we had to cross the same river seven times. One needs to acquire the skill of crossing rivers. You have to balance yourselves with your heavy bag and step on the right stones and not the slippery ones. The strong currents also did not help much but we managed to overcome these by using a staff each to steady ourselves. Three hours later, Teku finally welcomed us at 5 p.m. Most of our socks and shoes were wet because we had to cross the rivers. We met a few wildlife department officers who were doing a census of the number of elephants around this park. We camped at Teku for the night.

DAY 3 (JUNE 1, 1997)

The next morning we started early at 7 p.m. after having breakfast. The journey was very taxing as we had to climb many steep hills that were steeper than the ones at the Malang Range. Our stamina was severely tested. The journey to Wray's Camp seemed never ending and we had to really push ourselves to our limit. I noticed the types of plants here were different because they had smaller leaves and were much shorter. After four hours of hiking, we finally reached Wray's Camp. It was very inconvenient to get our water supply here as we had to take a 10 minute walk down the hills to a stream. We continued our journey to Pangkin Bawah, an uphill journey again. It was not too difficult by now because our bodies had adapted to the taxing demands. Pangkin Bawah was reached after two hours of hiking. We met a group of students coming down and we asked them about the journey up. They encouraged us and said that the journey up was not so difficult after all. We camped there for the night and looked forward to reach the peak of Gunung Tahan.

DAY 4 (2nd JUNE 1997)

The day we had waited for finally came. We moved to our next destination, Padang Camp. With the thought of reaching the peak in our mind, it took us less than four hours to reach Padang Camp. To do so, we had to climb a 100 metre vertical, grasping our ropes and tree roots to reach the peak of Gedung. This was so far the toughest part; this steep route could be seen from afar and one needs to be very careful while climbing. We enjoyed a bath at a nearby stream which really was very cold and later filled our tummies with the water.

At 1 p.m. sharp we started on the journey to the peak. All of us were in very high spirits. We had to conquer a final mountain, Gunung Berapit, before reaching the peak. On the way to the peak we were suddenly attacked by a swarm of hornets. A few of us got stung. A senior was stung eight times, yours truly once, but we still continued our journey, although in pain. With the peak in mind this minor setback was forgotten. We reached the peak of Gunung Tahan at 4 p.m. after three hours of walking. At last, the summit was right in front of us after four gruelling days. Our tiredness disappeared as we took photographs and enjoyed beautiful view plus the cool breeze. We really felt on top of the world and we will cherish this historic moment all our lives. The sense of pride and the ability to lift the name of the Victoria Scout Group was really rewarding. It was an invaluable and rewarding journey for the great effort and team spirit put in. This expedition marked another milestone in the quest of success for our troop.

Xiaomi mi3 Unboxing

noreply@blogger.com (aichiban) — Sun, 25 May 2014 10:48:00 +0000

This is the unboxing of the so-hyped mi3 from Xiaomi. With the specs so similar with other flagships of overpriced "mainstream" brands; the pricing of the mi3 is definitely a killer.

I was skeptical of the OS, but seeing the price, why not? At least I wont be paying through the nose for a problematic/frustrating user experience.

Without further a due, the unboxing.

The package arrived way earlier than expected. Definitely a welcome, although the credit is more to Fedex, but kudos for Xiaomi for choosing Fedex as their delivery partner.

The box have sharp edges, which is fairly new for me. Perhaps to make the appearance a little "smarter" or "formal". The cardboard used is sufficiently thick.

A small touch by Xiaomi to protect the contents during delivery. The smaller boxes fit nicely in the bigger box preventing them clashing with each other.

The actual box containing the mi3; with the same sharp edges characteristic. Very "smart" but will end up in the store anyway.

The pin and instruction booklet provided inside the envelope. Space usage/arrangement is definitely commendable for the accessories.

The charging and data cable looks promising. It is quite sturdy. There are also plenty of spaces for the thumb so that cable tugging is unnecessary. I would expect a better lifespan for the cable compared to iphone's.

The specification of the mi3 is shown at the back of the box. As mentioned, it is comparable to other "mainstream" brands flagship models. It is not a top heavyweight contender, but it is definitely not lightweight.

The phone itself also feels sturdy. Nothing plasticky or cheappo feel from it. It also feels light despite me using iphone5 all this while.

The buttons are really limited. Only the volume and power button at the right side. Physical button shortcut will be very limited by this. Perhaps will need to be used to using widgets or shortcuts at the main screen.

The slot for mobile simcard. mi3 accept a full-sized simcard. Xiaomi also provide a converter for micro-sims for easier porting.

I powered the mi3 straight without charging. It has sufficient battery power in it for basic set up. For this test, I only keep pressing "Next" or "Skip".

And there, its alive!!!!

But Wait!!!!!! Iphone5 was using the nano-sim. The converter provided is for micro-sim. Haihs. I went to buy a converter nano-normal sized sim. Luckily, it is working fine.

This is the information provided by the phone. Latest stable ROM is used. Not going to go through all the hassle for problematic developer ROMs, yet. This is definitely one department for me not wasting money on other flagship androids phones. Every update, they will say everything is fixed...every single update, same words, same problematic problems.

I have no idea on how to gauge performances in mobile phones. I only know how to benchmark Computers. Overclocking, Underclocking, playing with the voltage, testing stability and all.
So I just rely on the stock version and AnTutu for benchmarking.

The Higher the better - the figures.

I have no idea on how to interpret the stability result. Is is ok? Is it not ok?
It didnt hang, or have excessive heat during the test. So I guess its ok.

Conclusion.
Well built.
Camera....not so promising as it losses out to the Sony Z2, and also Iphone5. Maybe more on this later.
Price is definitely a welcome. I think this is a suitable price for Android devices if compared to Apple devices. Similar spec Android devices are just not worth the price they are asking, period.

I guess I am satisfied with the overall performance from the mi3, apart from the camera.
Given the hardware, a better software can definitely improve the quality.

Battery life is ok. If you use the phone extensively, then of course the battery will drain, within the day, or even half a day.
On idle, it can last longer than the iphone5. Iphone5 on idle can last for days, almost a week. On extensive screen usage, only 3 hours. mi3 on extensive screen usage can last around 6 hours.

Maldives - 1st Nov - 6th Nov

noreply@blogger.com (aichiban) — Wed, 29 Jan 2014 02:37:00 +0000

Ah, a belated post again. I am not going to spam Maldives photos in this entry. They are already abundantly available in Facebook. I will still spam them here though, perhaps in a later date.

Actually the trip is sort of like 6 nights 4 days if you minus out the arrival and departure nights.

We spent the 1st night in Male as MAS is taking the odd hours for its flights here. The airasia schedule is a bit more forgiving, maybe. It would have saved spending 1 night in Male. Not that the stay is unwelcome, but its not far from unpleasant. We are guilty of not taking the extra time to explore, though there is nothing much to. I couldn't catch a wink as the hotel we booked is not entirely honest with the reviews and pictures shown at their website. Relatively more expensive too.

The main reason we came - the island resorts are ok though. We chose one of the water bungalows. I see no compromise in this area since we flew all the way here. The brother actually thought of budget hotel, which would have spoil the entire "Maldive experience". The hospitality is not great, which will be highlighted later, or not. Club Rannalhi was our resort, seems matching for budget and expectation wise.

The sea was great, the beach was great, the resort was great. Overall its a satisfying experience coming all the way the the Maldives.

We had a bit of luck running into a school of dolphins when we were island hopping. Normally you would have to take a Dolphin Sighting Excursion of the sort to find them. I am mentioning luck because not only we ran into them, but we ran into a rather entertaining school. They did the somersaults, back spins, front spins, drilling frontal missile spins and other stunts I cant really name. Cant believe they are wild!!

Other than that we also swam with lots n lots of fishes, manta rays, turtles, cicak kubing, human, sharks etc etc. It is still rather exciting for a non-diver.

The other activities we spend our time with is photo taking. The process was rather elaborate, and time consuming - something plentiful when you are in these sort of vacation. The results are not disappointing, so its good.

To wrap things up, just a few sneak preview is forgivable.

Project Maldives - Results

noreply@blogger.com (aichiban) — Wed, 30 Oct 2013 02:43:00 +0000

Finally its the end of 4th week liau!!! Another 2 days and I am off to the Maldives.
From the photo above, you'll know why I started the 4 weeks regime. I am not Cheong Kar Fai but at least I am not like Day 0. Nanti spoil saja all the pics there. Maybe will spoil also because of all the buffet!!!

Im pretty much satisfied with the result despite all the limitations. It is all possible if you put your mind to it, and stick with it. Below is the progressive results.

So it is definitely doable. I almost gave up after week 2/3. There is so little progress, and there is no gym at my area for more intense workout. I had to stick with home workouts, but Im glad I stuck with it will week 4. Small little difference do matter.

Next up - Maldives itself!!!!!

Project Maldives

noreply@blogger.com (aichiban) — Fri, 18 Oct 2013 10:57:00 +0000

No time to update backlogs, so might as well start off with the ongoing.
I am currently in Project Maldives. Yups, the Maldives. Will be flying there early November. Woohoo!!!
Pre and Post Wedding Honeymoon. Pre because I havent legally register the marriage, Post because I've done all those (well, not all) Chinese rites and rituals.

So what is this Project Maldives?
Well, Maldives, like everyone knows, is about beaches, islands and seas. Places like these involves the lack of clothing and Maldives is supposedly very scenic. I do not want my un-scenic body to ruin whatever is scenic there. Here is my early month photo for you to judge.

No good right? Dem spoil man.....
Which is why I undertook this Operation Maldives. Im gonna go on a self-imposed, self-constructed 4 week program to get back in shape.

I don't think I can build mass in this short month. Neither I can achieve anything Baywatch-worthy. But anything than the above is okay right? Anything better I mean.

So I studied a few websites and wrote down some special diet for myself for this 4 weeks. Not those diet, tak makan, or only makan buah type, or starve urself kinda program. Actually in certain days I pretty much stuff myself. I do carb-cycling in which 2 days I have very low carb intake, 3 days of slightly lower than average carb intake, and 2 days of high carb intake.
I don't have any weights training equipment or a nearby gym with me. So my Project Maldives diet makes up to 80? or 90? percent of my plan.
I think they pay off pretty well....so far....

So this is my progress photo.
Should be OK gua for a beginner without proper guidance. I am not into competitions so I don't really restrict myself too much. I do pace around the diet. Unexpected meals and buffets, sudden carve for desserts. Its all in there.

I am not sure how I will progress beyond week 2. There is still 2 more weeks to go, and I am starting to slack off. My meals intake is getting more random and unpredictable. Damn...gotta stick in to the discipline and hang in there!!!

My wifey Irene is also doing something similar; but more tailored towards her needs. Thing is, no one is the same, furthermore the difference is more between male and female.

I shall post the final outcome before I fly off. And hopefully I don't disappoint. ;)

Slow update

noreply@blogger.com (aichiban) — Mon, 23 Sep 2013 10:14:00 +0000

Its been too long, and it made the keyboards lazier to type.
It has been a few countries and keyboards since the last update.

Have to update on quite a few of things.

The braces (backyard invisalign) I haphazardly done, but Im content with the result - Will make more detailed posts.
The oversea trips.
The job changes.
The marriage - deserves more extensive coverage.

Im sure there is more..but just to jot down a few important ones 1st.

Easier to refer when the keyboards get rusty, and needing some pressing.

This entry is to motivate myself.

To get myself started on a 30-day express diet for my Maldives getaway. Dont wanna ruin the scene/photograph with current self.

Finally did some searching, a lazy quick search on a regime to follow. I dont think I will dwell too much on the technicalities. I intend to follow 100% (if I can).

Doesnt have those intend-to-know-all desire lately. Good for myself I think.

Doesnt have the luxury of time. Better focus on career-related stuffs.

Blindly following a "proven" regime is better than spending hours n days n weeks learning the curve to achieve a side "hobby". At this moment at least.

Well....hopefully the discipline stays for the 30 days.

Till the next entry ;)

A Hand in Need

noreply@blogger.com (aichiban) — Wed, 26 Dec 2012 03:31:00 +0000

I was travelling way way too much this few weeks. Up and down KL-JB-KL-JB several times in a week. It is almost like I am working in JB and living in KL. This of course took a toll on the body - dem bloody sleepy whenever I was on the road.

There was one day when I was totally exhausted. I bought a couple of Redbull at my usual R&R. The last and only time I ever take a redbull is when erm... SPM or STPM time. To cramp 2 years worth of 'learning' into that few hours I have.
So there I was, with my redbull, ready to get on the road again that night. When suddenly, "knock knock" and I looked, an Indian guy was knocking on my passenger window. I slide it open a lil to hear what he had to say.

He was explaining about his misfortune of his faulty ATM card, and he was on his way to see his ailing father, and how he is short of fund. He also explained that his family (inside the car, Exora) havent have any proper meal for days. I took a short glance and can see that there were 4-5 teenagers in the car waiting anxiously for their father's return. I also concluded that for him to be asking for money in an R&R, it is not your usual scam, but a case of pure emergency.
It also ran through my mind that he should have planned properly, and obtain his fund way before getting on a highway - which requires fuel and toll. While I can deduce all I want, it cannot escape my mind that it is still a pure emergency and sad case that can happen to anyone, including myself.

I planned to hand him a few red dollar bills. At least he can fill up some petrol. But as I scanned through my wallet, there was no red dollar bill. Plenty of 50s, and spare change of 9 bucks. I gave him all of my 5's and 1's; which is 9 bucks. I knew it will not be enough. But the devil in me didnt want to pull out a 50. A battle of conscience took place and the devil still won.
The guy said it was not enough, and he requires a 50. 30 for petrol and 20 for food he said. In my mind and heart, I said I know. At my mouth, I say I only have this much to offer. After a few minutes of pleading from him; he walked back to his car; and I continued my journey.

Remember I said I was very very very exhausted? I was ready to sleep n drive before the stop. But after that incident; guilt couldnt escape from my mind. I could've help the poor guy. I could've been a good Samaritan
Tears actually almost burst out. Yes he might be a scammer. But he wont resort to this if he was not stranded at the R&R. I could've pulled him out of that situation.
I couldn't stop blaming myself. For my selfishness.
What is the use of driving a comfortable car if you cant even help a person in need?
What is the use of dining in a nice restaurant if you cant even feed a person in hunger?
What is the use of living in a luxurious house if you cant even shelter a person in cold?
I know I cant help everybody. But cant I help a person who approached me?
I couldnt sleep however exhausted I was.
I couldnt stop thinking........what am I....why am I here? Am I...heartless.

Malaysia towards Prosperity

noreply@blogger.com (aichiban) — Sun, 18 Nov 2012 06:56:00 +0000

There are so many updates needed to be done, but the Internet connection in Johor is far from encouraging. Actually all aspects here is far from encouraging. Shucks.
I'll find some time to really sit down and do some updates though.

Before I do any updates, I noticed that Malaysians are generally getting richer and richer. Thanks to our government of course. Be sure to elect them back in power comes the next election.
Shopping Malls are mushrooming, traffic jams are increasing (signs of Malaysians buying more cars), prices increase in EVERYTHING. And yet, we are still surviving.

All the basic amenities, especially houses have at least double or triple in prices since the last general election. This also proofs that Malaysians spending power has increased, and we have in fact become a high income nation. It is no longer a goal. We have done it! Just in one short term, Ahjibgor has brought the nation's financial status to a whole new level.

Maybe I am noob, but I am finding it hard to keep up with the country's growth. I will strive to keep improving myself so that I wont be left behind by the Rakyat's growth under Ahjib leadership. Given another term, I am sure we will be declared as super high income nation; as the prices for EVERYTHING will only keep increasing exponentially. Hehe, take that sinjiaporeans and americans.

Room to rent

noreply@blogger.com (aichiban) — Sun, 07 Oct 2012 12:54:00 +0000

Hmm, anyone knows where got room to let in JB? Skudai area, Pulai area, Taman U area dan yang sewaktu dengannyer.
My house landlord memang cacat a bit. Other than the things mentioned in the previous post, many other things is making me very dulan. Dem!!!

Now I am self sufficient in many ways, so its alright to get a house with less amenities. I am under-using them currently anyway.

Ada tak sesiapa got kontek?

JB so far

noreply@blogger.com (aichiban) — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 11:19:00 +0000

To sum it all, JB sucks.
To compare, being in JB makes me more homesick than being in India. Unfair comparison, but that just shows how suck JB is.

I dont have many references to describe JB ppl. So I will just start with my houselord, my subordinate and the general population.
If I say that India is a good training ground to become numb, then JB is a good training ground to become arseholes. India has high tolerance for bad habits, bad driving behaviour, bad manners; so if you stay there long enough, you will become accustomed to the culture. You may or may not be influenced by them.

In JB, I dont know whether they mixed up too much with pure Sinjiapohreans or the JB ppl who are working in Sinjiapoh. They have high tolerance for kiasunism, selfishness, idiotness, and so on and so forth. They tend to try to take advantage of surrounding people all the time. It is like their hobby or part time job. There is no "give and take". Its - apa pun mau angkat, sikit pun tak mau kasi. Really apa lanciau pun mau. And the thickfaceness is astonishing!! Example common scenario will be like - ASKING you to buy sweets, then 'pau' your sweets after you bought them. Then when they have their own sweets in big/small amount, they will just act dunno hoping you dont ask any from them.

Or when like the TV screen's colour faded when they are watching the TV, then when you are watching it, they will suddenly say you broke the TV and need to buy a new one....... WTF really?

Settling down in JB

noreply@blogger.com (aichiban) — Mon, 20 Aug 2012 10:35:00 +0000

Hmm, the first few days were spent in a hotel in Kulai while Irene and I scout for a room to let. It boils down to two choices. Both is also in decent neighborhood.

1. Mutiara Rini
New housing area. Clean and quiet environment. Near to work place, 11km. No jam. Should take around 20minits to reach.
Living room area no sofa or couch or TV. Just an empty area. Kitchen very basic, no fridge.
Toilet is shared attached but clean.
Near to Taman Universiti which has basic amenities nearby. Not so happening.
Cheap rental of RM200.

2. Bukit Indah
Also new housing area. Clean and quiet environment. Further than Mutiara Rini to workplace, 22km. No jam though. Should take around 35minits to reach.
Complete living room setup. Kitchen considered complete. Toilet not attached but will be the sole user, unless got party which is not likely.
Near to happening places and lepak places.
Rental of RM450.

I settled for the Bukit Indah room. At least not so 'bachelor" like how my sis put it. Por chan liau after buying things for the room. Bed-sheets, pillow, mandi things, bersih things. All so mahal siot.
Next time wanna makan also need compete with those sinjiapoh working ppl. So dem.

K la. See how next time.

Bath and Stonehenge

noreply@blogger.com (aichiban) — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 06:06:00 +0000

Well, this is the last installment of my London trip. Unlike the previous posts, this is not a continuation from Day 4, London. Saja-saja update on the pictorial visits.
Both Bath and Stonehenge brings you back to history, although vastly different in terms of time/period.

I took a tourbus from London which offers the two as destination stops. Spent some time in Stonehenge then more in Bath. Stonehenge feels more kampung-y as there is nothing there except for fields, as far as you can see.

Bath is more like a small town. With houses and small industries nearby.

The houses in Bath. Looks not so comfy from outside.

Day 4 - London

noreply@blogger.com (aichiban) — Sun, 03 Jun 2012 20:52:00 +0000

Day 4 - London. This is my final stop during my stay. Well, its fairly frequent that I commute to here as London is my stopover when I go back to KL from Trinidad and Tobago. Normally I would just spend few hours wandering around before taking my flight. This time however, I spent two days here. The other days were spent in Yong Fei Tour in previous posts.

I chose a small budget hotel to stay. Small room, small toilet, but clean and new. It's sort of like those budget boutique hotels in KL, but priced like 5 star hotels in KL. Travelling solo, needing a place to stay and store my things; the place was perfect.

I didnt take much photos this time. I was trying to enjoy the moment rather than trying to capture it. Not that we wont get the chance to travel right?
It was a nice stroll, taking the subways to the places I had in mind. The Chinatown, the red district, the shopping district. London is so congested, and modern but you wont feel suffocated or lost. Everything just fall nicely, and it feels like you can do anything without getting obstruction here. You can really take your own time, to do your own thing.

There are plentiful of parks and wide sidewalks you can lepak in.

Near some palace or somthing

So carefree

Jalan-jalan, cari makan

The shopping here is GREAT!!! Much better and bigger than any of the sales I went. Even the Singapore Sales pale in comparison. The malls are much bigger, in quality and quantity. In Singapore you can at least use an evening or a day to finish the main shopping stretch. Here....you will need public transportation just to finish ONE of the stretch!!! And the price are dirt cheap too. Cheaper than Malaysia prices at least. The sales are like....80% 85% off. Gila!!! I dont think they are marked up either as the tags are quite old. Cilakak Malaysia prices always marked up then given discount.

As I said, not much pictorial involved. Too bzbzbzbz. Wakakakaka.
I managed to do some shopping as well. Souvenirs as well as some for my own. Considered expensive souvenirs in Malaysia, but like what I said, its cheap here. Even those jewelries, which I actually bought as souvenirs. One of the most expensive items I bought here was my Seba inline skate. Made me poor by the whole year!!!! Too bad Im noob, and it is WAYYYY underused now. le sigh.....

Till then, wait for the next post - Bath and Stonehenge

Cambridge

noreply@blogger.com (aichiban) — Fri, 25 May 2012 21:58:00 +0000

Day 3 - Cambridge!!! Rival of Oxford where Yong Fei was doing his law. A continuation from Stratford trip Day 2 of course. The environment here is quite different than both Oxford and Stratford. Its very erm.... medieval-like kinda city. All the grand buildings, with different kind of freshness in the atmosphere. Brilliant.

We met up with his friends there, 2 of them, also Malaysian. It seems that most popular conversation topic for Malaysian undergrads/grads there is - getting a permanent job in UK. Understandable. After all the years spent over there, even more understandable. The quality of life is just totally different. You pay taxes there, but you will feel that its money well-spent....unlike going back home, you know? But then, lets get back to the topic shall we? Cambridge!!! Most of the photos will be revolved around a river. Sort of like Oxford, but here we get others to "drive" for us. Many students here earn some pocket money by doing part-time jobs. Like erm..a river taxi.

These boats will use the streams running through the backyard of houses, shops and schools.

Where are the rubbish eh?

Beautiful architecture along the trip

Quite a popular past time here

A few of the faculties along the way

The one who was paddling our boat is a Cambridge undergrad, doing some part time job. Kinda superman lookalike. Tall, well-built, handsome, perfect hair, articulate. Quite strange though when he wet himself in the middle of the journey. Some sort of kidney disease he said.

After that we just jalan-jalan around the area visiting the bigger campuses. Apart from that, didnt really venture much. This is the last day I kept Yong Fei busy. The next day - London!!!

Lost bracelet

noreply@blogger.com (aichiban) — Thu, 24 May 2012 23:45:00 +0000

GG

Lost my bracelet. Not really lost it. I some sort of threw it away, not intentionally of course. GG.
I was throwing a rock, in the quarry, with my right hand.

I was wearing the bracelet on the right hand, and it was loose. GG.
It flew off, and can never be found again. It just assimilate itself with the surroundings. So gg.

There goes $$$.

Stratford-upon-Avon

noreply@blogger.com (aichiban) — Thu, 10 May 2012 23:00:00 +0000

So, from Day 1 - Oxford, I came to Stratford. The feel and environment here is very different from Oxford. The comfort is still there, just not as bustling as Oxford. Less people are walking around, less activities going on, wider streets, more distanced buildings. Kinda nice for a lazy soul. Maybe thats why this place is the birthplace of William Shakespeare.

One of the plays we get to watch there. Free for the public to watch. Not sure what it was about though. Not ngam me.

The architecture here is amazing too.See those wooden nails below. Well, there are many other places which uses wooden nails, but I am impressed nonetheless.

One of the olden painting method. Gave it a try and ended up having sore fingers for the day. Not very easy oooo. You will need to etch on a piece of paper over a copper block. To have a nice colour, you will need to apply significant pressure on the paper. Since its my 1st time, the result was not that good despite the chamness fingers.

In Startford, not only its filled with gardens like Oxford, but they are also filled with flowers, everywhere.
Very soothing to the eyes I must say.

The Church where William Shakespeare is buried.

Alas, the final stop for Stratford - the train station again. On Day 3, we went to Cambridge to visit Yong Fei's friends and toured around the city.

Oh ya, before I left, I had to take the shots below.

A very comfy small city. Not hectic, refreshing, relaxing....ah...
Next up - Day 3 - Cambridge!!!!

UK with Yong Fei - Oxford

noreply@blogger.com (aichiban) — Wed, 09 May 2012 22:07:00 +0000

1st of all.....woah...wtf, it was 2008? Cant believe it is overdue for so so very long. It was some sort of impromptu trip as London was my stopover airport before going back to Malaysia, from Trinidad and Tobago (my workplace at that time). Yong Fei was my schoolmate back in VI. He was doing his law in University of Oxford, so I took the chance for free accommodation during that trip. And also a free tour guide!!! Heh, Thanks a bunch bro.

Naturally, my first stop was in Oxford. I took a bus from the airport to this place - my first stop in Oxford.

Nice weather heh? I thought summer will be the best season to fit in my plans - longer daylights, means more time to travel around. From here, I made my way to his hostel, a walking distance. I am not sure if I should post his room photo here, but since its so long ago, and he is taken anyway; I dont think it will do him a lot of harm..heh

It is small but very adequate in space. You even have your own toilet here. There is a common kitchen which we didnt really utilise. We only cooked a few meals as I wanted to try out local flavours. I slept on the floor with a mattress which is comfortable for me. I just hope I didnt really disturb him too much during my stay. I had a tour around the campus and was very impressed with the environment there. It was very relaxing and filled with activities, which can be very bad on your studies if you get to comfortable with it. I know I will be led astray. I will be too busy exploring and enjoying rather than keeping up with the academic competition here.

Almost every campus/schools have nice gardens, feels so...refreshing

The library I went to is quite small, but I'm not sure about the others.

I took a walk outside the campuses too, but this place is full of students, like some sort of University town, if you get what I mean. It is just like those ulu small town near ulu colleges/universities in Malaysia, but much bigger and livelier.

I even had a shot of a gondala here.

See how relaxed the students here are? Sitting n gathering by the riverbank.

The next day, we took a train to Stratford-upon-Avon.

Day 2 with Yong Fei

Vacations

noreply@blogger.com (aichiban) — Fri, 04 May 2012 20:17:00 +0000

I guess everyone needs a vacation every now and then huh? I cant say Im not a fan, but the vacation aroma doesnt really last long after I smells one. The taste dies off pretty fast, but it might be the reason I look forward for another in the future.
As I mentioned in the past, I tend to overplan and overschedule things. It might get you covering 'important' venues or attractions, but you can really miss out on the spontaneous part of a vacation. BUT without proper planning, you will miss some of the best things that particular place can offer you. BUT and BUT, I guess you can always relive the vacation again, if you really like it, and explore the unexplored part!! That will be the best way of vacationing. Alas, not everyone will have the time, or $$$ to live the best vacationing way huh?

I was thinking about vacations because everyone seems to be on, or has been or will be going to a vacation lately, in my circle at least. It gets me to think of my next vacation - Macao/HK in June. It has been scheduled down to the minutes and HKD which I dont think will run very far from the plan. For a vibrant city which has so much to offer, I guess its best to choose and select the preferred destinations and to-dos for us, me n the gf, instead of getting lost and dunno where to go. I am not sure we will repeat this route anyway.

This also gets me thinking about my previous vacations. And surprise surprise. I lost my Japan trip photos!!!!! WTFF!!!! And I didnt record down the details of my remaining days there!!! Oh no!!! I think its time for me to visit my trusted travel partner at that time, for backup of those photos - my mum. Im sure she has all of them....somewhere. Then I will finish up the stories where I left them.
And there is also the UK trip. Damn....I will have to finish them up too.
A total waste if I would let them die with my brain cells.

Ah, I remembered an incident when someone actually invaded my privacy by posting my FB photos to a public forum in an attempt to humiliate me. You know, keyboard warriors losing keyboard fights, thinking the keyboard winner has an ugly face as the keyboard loser scenario? So the keyboard loser thought by posting my photos in that particular forum, people will just flame me - "OMFG, so ugly", or "mah eye!!!! mah eyes!!!" kinda remarks. To his frustration though, and to my surprise, ppl were actually impressed with my photos. Hmm.....not bad ahBan....not bad....a pat to myself. One of the comment stuck in my mind too - "well traveled man". Heh, along with other not bad remarks too. Heh. *smirk*

But then again, what I really wish for, I mean my dream vacation, doesnt really involves too much of $$, or flying for that matter.
I enjoy a good timeout, with my buddies and friends, hanging out together on a common destination. Penang, Pangkor, Melaka, Pahang, you name it, Im there.
I am still very very very looking forward to drive round the peninsular Malaysia. Still looking for the kaki, and also the time.

Till the next update on my UK trip, and the missing Japan photos.... tata

Better than 8.19s?

noreply@blogger.com (aichiban) — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 11:34:00 +0000

Hmm, I thought 8.19s should be the best I can achieve without further mod.
But I think it can be improved now.

Rupa-rupanyer I have been testing the century run uphill. Not that steep, I actually thought it was flat. I wonder if it has any effect on the tests.

Century Run update

noreply@blogger.com (aichiban) — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 07:29:00 +0000

Khekhekhe
Dunno whether the car oredi adapted to my driving style or wat.
But here are the recent results.

Increment 2012

noreply@blogger.com (aichiban) — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 11:05:00 +0000

Hurray!!! Got my 1st paycheck with the 2012 increment slapped in.
Good news heh?

Apparently not.
With my increment and a screwed up tax structure, I am actually receiving LESS nett salary.
WTF!!! Yeah, I am getting more, with less. Or should I say less, with more.

Tuning Box Results

noreply@blogger.com (aichiban) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 08:17:00 +0000

So, is there any significant improvements from the tuning box?
hehehehe.....

Sadly, unfortunately, Nope......
AAArrgghhhhhhhhhh..............
haihs.... The manufacturer claims 30% increase in HP and also torque. If there is 50% truth in it, I will be satisfied. But from the average real users dyno, they only get around 6% of power increase.
In 0-100kmph scenario, there is no significant benefit. Only difference is when you use the box, during a 0-100kmph test, when u tekan kaokao.......engine fault will come up.
AARGhhhhhhhh

8.83 sec might be higher than the last 2 runs. But the advantage might not be due to the tuning box. It might be the Ron97 over Ron95. It might be the correct pedal flooring throughout the test.
In short, there is no significant benefit offered in a drag test. Not sure if there is any benefit in max speed, or other rpm ranges....

The other thing I noticed is that it plays with your rpm....and gears ratio. Dont tell me thats the only difference gua..... Will need other parameters to know such as the boost figure.

Tuning Box

noreply@blogger.com (aichiban) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 12:42:00 +0000

Got my hand on this box. Its a tuning box meant to improve this and that. In short, power. Excited to test it out so I unboxed it and got myself into 1st "DIY" modification of the Lion.

I didnt take any pictures after unbox though. XD
But these are the places needed to be connected to the box.

The bulat-ed point is the "Boost Pressure Sensor" and the arrow indicates the area where the "Manifold Air Pressure Sensor" is.
Quite a lot of guide is like the picture above. Very jilakat becoz not very accurate. While it is not wrong, it doesnt show how actually to reach and connect the plug points. See below,

The red bulat-ed plug point is the same for both pic, and the arrow-ed point is the same. Bulat-ed one very straight forward because you can see it. The other one is arrowed coz it is hidden. You cant reach it from the front, and you need to put your left hand quite deeply inside from the left like the pic above. Not for big or fat ppl ya. LOL
Make sure the round ring besi thingy is cooled down before unplugging to avoid getting burned.

The result is like this. I could've placed it a lot more nice-to-see but I think this position is having the least heat transferred while giving me the flexibility to change the setting easily.

Ok la. Next post will be on the results!!!!

Dynolicious

noreply@blogger.com (aichiban) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 17:51:00 +0000

Months ago, I didnt know how to use this program. What I mean is, I didnt know how to initiate the activation of the timer. It was often wrong. Even now, my activation sometimes "out" a bit.
Over the new year, I had few runs and below are the ok ones.

RUN 1

RUN 2

A good start means the red line starts at 0 seconds. A bad start is when the program didnt detect a start, and starts recording at a wrong time.

For both runs, I have below 9seconds to reach 100kmph from 0kmph.

With some upgrades, dunno it can go below 8seconds or not leh

New year resolutions?

noreply@blogger.com (aichiban) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 09:44:00 +0000

Is there a need to wait for new year to come? I think not. This is because most of them are pending resolutions from previous years anyway. XD
At least for me la. Fail.........

Im thinking of starting small.....and then see how it goes when new year comes. Discipline has always been a problem for me. Sigh.....
So what are the small things I can do leh?

Sleeping before 11pm......
Eat dinner before 9pm....
Jogging every alternate morning and evening.
Basketball every alternate evening.
Save a certain amount of $$ in my bank....

Hmm.... I tend to add more "..." in the areas I am more likely to fail.....
XD
Well, the "pre-new year resolution" seems pretty simple and legit enough.
Lets get started.