when life throws a lemon at you....

The youngest country on earth ~ New Zealand

2010-12-05T17:49:00.000+08:00

Yurp, it's one of the latest and hotest topic that everyone's talking about now. Thanks to AirAsia one can now travel to New Zealand, known as the youngest country on earth.

With a population of only 4 million, New Zealand is one of the least crowded country in the world. It is the perfert place for one who are seeking peace, rejuvenation and relaxation as well as a playing field for thrill seekers and adventurers. It's an ideal all year-round holiday destination due to its temperate climate.

New Zealand is also well known for it's breath taking landscapes that includes vast mountains chains, steaming volcanoes, sweeping coastlines, deeply indented fiorbs and lush rainforests.

Kindly click here for information about New Zealand or even better, plan a trip with your loved one(s) and visit AirAsia to get your ticket(s) to explore and experience New Zealand in real.

Purple, Silver & White

2010-12-05T00:39:00.002+08:00

Here we are, it's that time of the year again, the one that I have been looking forward too since begining of the year. Finally, I can happily say out loud that I own my Christmas tree. Although it's not a real tree, the meaning of having one is huge to me.

Again, I must say thank you to BS for making all this a reality.

The hunt for a tree started last week. From Mid Valley to Petaling Street and all the way to Ikea, finally we found one in Mutiara Tesco. It's a 7 feet tree at the price of RM129.90 (the feeling was like, yes ~ this is the one regardless the price).

After that, a trip to Jusco One Utama, Metrojaya and a few other places for the ornaments.

It came to me that it wasn't an easy task from getting a tree to setting up one. Thank goodness I have someone at home that knows what he's doing.

The last weekend was entirely used up for the tree. We found out that the LED lights was not enough to cover the tree and off we go to get additonals.

We tend to get extra ornaments here and there for the tree throughout the week ~ over budget!!! Well, it's our first tree so why not. At least we do not have to spend more on ornaments for next year ~ tee hee hee.

Glittering away ~ blink blink ~ taken using Sony DSLR 380

Purple, silver and white was the theme for our tree. Ohh, I almost forgot to introduce WOOF WOOF ~

I don't know why but he's named Woof right after BS set eyes on him.

And now, I would like to present our tree, standing tall right here in the middle of the hall ~ our PRIDE!!!

From a plain green fake tree, it transformed into something so beautiful ~ taken using Sony DSLR 380

Taiwan - Last Day

2010-11-29T15:47:00.001+08:00

We woke up early and did another round of check, don't want to leave anything behind. Not that I can return to pick it up the next day :P

It has been an interesting trip and we enjoyed everyday despite the rain and gloomy weather.

The following our itinerary for a 7 days 6 nights trip to Taiwan.

Day 1 - Arrival + Ximending

Taiwan - Day 2 - Part 1 - Danshui

Taiwan - Day 2 - Part 2 - Shilin & Ximending

Taiwan - Day 3 - Part 1 - Jiufen

Taiwan - Day 3 - Part 2 - Jinguashi & Hello Kitty Cafe & Huasi Street Market

Taiwan - Day 4 - Chiang kai-Shek Memorial Hall + Shilin (Re-visited at night)

Taiwan - Day 5 - Unisys Taiwan & Taipei 101

Taiwan - Day 6 - Taipei International Flora Expo + Miramar

Day 7 - Back to Malaysia

We were dead tired by the time we reached home (how I wished I tooked the whole week off and extended our stay in Taiwan).

Some of the goodies we brought back from Taiwan.

Shoes, Shoes, Shoes ~ love them. Two pairs? Not enough come to think of it now.

Taiwan - Day 6

2010-11-29T15:16:00.003+08:00

It's time to be flowery. We visited the Taipei International Flora Expo (click on the link for more information).

I was a bit disappointed because there were not that many types of flower to see, given the name Flora Expo. Maybe it's just the begining, the expo will go on till April 2011. It will be spring by then, hopefully more flowers will be displayed.

Below are some of the pictures taken on the expo.

We didn't finish the whole expo. The place is just too big, no wonder they have unlimitted tickets that allowed visitors to come back again some other time.

We have a dinner appointment with BS friend, somewhere near Miramar. Before that, BS took me on a ride up a ferris wheel.

Before the ride, we had some fun cracking up "Thunder Egg". Hehehe, it's actually a rock where there are crystal formation inside. This shop have all types of crystals at a very affordable price. For those who believe in the power of the crystal, this is a shop you have to visit if you have the chance.

Here I am, worried if I could get it cut into half.

Hehehe, BS helped. Look, little crystals in it.

Don't you think it's a waste? It's being used as wall display.

After that, we met up with his friend who brought treated us dinner ~ Western Food.

A very nice lady she was, very funny and sporting too. We part ways after dinner. BS and I took a slow walk to the MRT station and calling it a day.

Tomorrow's our last day in Taipei and we have to get our things organised and packed. Immediately I felt a bit sad, that I am leaving such a nice country. There's so much I haven't see and visited.

Bye Bye Taiwan ~ Last Day.

Taiwan - Day 5

2010-11-29T14:25:00.001+08:00

I visited my colleague on the fifth day for lunch and BS will be meeting his friend for dinner on the sixth day of our trip.

She is the HR Business Partner for Unisys Taiwan. After lunch, she brought us to this shop that serves good coffee. Apparently, the shop was voted one of the top ten best coffee served in Taiwan in 2009.

The boy is picking out the bad coffee beans.

Mugs signed by celebrities who visited the shop.

This device will make music and LED lights flashing around when your drinks are ready.

We then went for a brief walk around the area while discussing on some office work.

Next stop, Taipei 101. I bet many have visited and read about Taipei 101 from other blogs and websites. I will share my pictures taken.

Got my ticket.

The speed up was something to brag about but I won't go into the details of Taipei 101, I believe many of you would have gotten the information before reading my blog.

It's worth a visit and I sent a postcard from the tower. I choosed the night view because of personal reasons (more romantic :P).

We visted the Flora Expo and a ride on the Ferris Wheel on Taiwan - Day 6.

Taiwan - Day 4

2010-11-29T11:47:00.003+08:00

To be honest, we didn't have a productive day (thanks to the weather).

We visited Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall (click for more information) as our first stop.

It started raining again and we went further into the event halls to kill time. There was an underwater themed event going on.

It was awareness event to show how important the sea is to us and how it need our helps to ensure underwater creatures will be able to survive.

We even participated in a mini game. We were given a treasure map and our goal is to fill up the numbered squares with stickers. Stickers are given out by the "Boat People".

And we have to find them because they float around the event halls (2 floors).

I believe we completed the quest in about 45 minutes.

I sent a postcard back to mummy from the gift shop.

Sad to say it was still raining. There is no where we can go in that weather but back to hotel and that's where we head to for our second stop.

We re-visted Shilin Night Market (drizzle). The first round we came here was still early. Things really are different here at night.

It was a short day for us ~ sob sob but it doesn't matter. Time spent for resting during the afternoon did help us to gain back our energy used in the first few days.

Taipei 101 and a visit to Unisys Taiwan in Taiwan - Day 5.

Taiwan - Day 3 - Part 2

2010-11-16T15:43:00.003+08:00

From Jiufen we took a bus to Jinguashi. It is also known as Kinkaseki in Japanese, is well known for for its historic gold and copper mines.

The town has evolved itself into a popular tourist spot. It also housed the Gold Ecological Park and in 2002, Jinguashi was named a potential World Heritage site. Here, visitors can touch a 220kg gold brick or try their hand at panning for gold.

The Crown Prince Chalet is the most representative example in Taiwan of a Japanese style villa. It was built to accomodate the Japanese crown prince when he visits. The landscaped gardens is open to public and once can peek inside the buildings from the gardens.

You will reach Gold Zen temple which is situated right above the Gold Ecological Park Museum. One will have climb a steep path before reaching the temple (good thing I have been going to Bukit Kiara right after work).

It's worth the climb as the view is great from there as well as a close look at its unique geology. You can get more information about the park by visiting Gold Ecological Park.

There are lot of other attractions here but we were not able to visit all of them. The rain was pouring quite heavy by 4:00pm (damn, no chance to touch the 220kg gold brick) and we decided to head back to Taipei. We took a direct bus back to Taipei, be sure to ask before boarding (the bus driver's can tend to be a bit cranky, bet it's the whole day driving thing).

It was raining all the way back to Taipei. Took the chance to get some shut eye. By the time I woke up, we were already back in Taiper. BS brought me to this pink color shop for deserts.

Here we are at "Hello Kitty". We had some light food here before heading out to another local night market near the Long Shan temple called the "Huasi Street Night Market".

As you can see, it's still raining but one good thing is about this night market is that, they have a covered roof. Again, I am surrounded with food but the attraction here is its SNAKE shops selling snake dishes and snake wine, which are said to have aphrodisiac properties.

Of course I didnt try any of the slithering dishes but I did try out the below (slurp slurp).

The fish soup is so clear and tasty, I bet there are no MSG added in. The fish is fresh that you can taste it with every bite on the flesh. Not forgettting the pork knuckle, I really do not know how to describe the taste. It just melt/dissolve in your mouth ~ Hey, M&M you have a competitor here.

We saw this funny way of promoting a candidate for their general election.

Yes, that's a real duck. The lady did a little victory dance after I took this picture. The rain hasn't stop and that little scene did cheer me up a bit.

That closes our 3rd day. Rainy or sunny the next day? Check it out here, Taiwan - Day 4.

Taiwan - Day 3 - Part 1

2010-11-15T15:04:00.005+08:00

We started off the day with "POWERFUL" breakfast.

The shop is located across the hotel where we are staying and they are only open for breakfast. They offered a variety of sandwiches, best of all ~ it's pork.

After breakie we are prepared to visit Jiufen and it's surrounding point of interest. There are a few ways to reach Jiufen. One can go by taxi at NT1000 or by train at NT90, we opted the train.

We head on to Taipei Main Station to get our train tickets. It's a bit tricky here and can get quite messy if one doesn't read Mandarin. It's a self ticket vending machine and there are a few types of trains (lines to be exaxt) to choose from and we have to decide which station to get on and off. Best to equip yourself with the needed information before proceeding (lucky for me, BS does read Mandarin but even that did take us some time to identify the correct train to board).

Soon, we were on the "correct" train and on our way. I didn't manage to time how long it took us to reach because I dozed off after the second station (I think, pai seh).

We stopped at Rueifang and it's raining (what luck). Since it's raining, we took a taxi instead of a bus. The taxi driver initiated some small talk and then started to introduce the tour package that he has to offer. For NT2600 per car, you will have the luxury stop and visit Jiufen and it's surrounding at your own pace. There are a few more package to choose from, take your pick whichever suits you. We didn't pick any as it was raining and we won't be able to see most the places in the package.

We reach Jiufen Old Street after 20 minutes. The town is built at the side of the hills from the Pacific Ocean coastline. The main attraction here will be the town's historic commercial district.

Being me, my first stop was driven by the smell of food. I trail the smell to this small little shop and they are selling something like the tako balls, the one the uncle is preparing here have something extra, succulent prawns in it and deep fried till perfection.

Diagonally across the uncle stall was this shop selling "tong sui". We entered, ordered a bowl and enjoyed it with the tako balls we bought earlier. Enjoyed the warmth of the food and cooling weather.

Pic was taken at the back of the "tong sui" shop.

Take a look at the houses build and the landscape around it. Life looks so simple here and BS playfulled asked if I would like to spend my old age here. Being a city guy, I don't think I can but that's my answer at the age of 29. Who know's I might say yes 30 years from today.

We trail the old street passing endless stalls selling food and gifts (I took so many pictures and I am having a tough time deciding which one to post).

Shells, fresh and tasty (hot hot hot).

Some of the shops offers interesting gifts for travellers to buy back.

Couldn't resist to pictures of them. While I was busy snapping, BS was busy sampling the food.

BS got an item that is used to make the "ang ko" skin for his mum and I got one of the hand puppet figures.

Competition is tough, take a look at how one dress to attract customers. 3 for NT100.

Walking through the streets of Jiufen, you will come across very unique tea houses. Becareful if you are tavelling here during the rainy season, the steps are wet and slippery. We didn't venture further to the top due to this reason.

Do take note that food sampling is available left and right, get ready your toothpicks (grinning)

I love the shop because it has a purple teddy bear outside the shop, nope that's not the main reason. I actually was drawn by the smell of lavendar that the shop emits. The shop is called "Lavendar Forest".We got to know that they have only been in business for about a year and the shop assistant is very friendly attending to every questions we posted. If you happen to be there, do take some time and pay this little shop a visit. They have many small lavendar products.

We spent quite a long time here and we are running late for our next destination, Jinguashi. Details will be revealed in my Taiwan - Day 3 - Part 2 posting.

Taiwan Day 2 - Part 2

2010-11-12T17:49:00.002+08:00

Our initial plan after visting Danshui was to Beitou, the plan was canceled due to the rain as well as my injured knee doesn't put me in the right condition to go for a hot spring dip. Instead of wasting time travelling back to hotel, we decided to move our Shilin Night Market visit up ~ I hesitate because it's still early and Shilin Night Market doesn't come alive till late evening (so I read from the Net). Anyway, we proceed and stop at Jiantan station.

REMINDER: Do not get off at Shilin Station unless you prefer a good walk before reaching Shilin Night Market.

This is how early we are at Shilin Night Market area.

The only shop that has a long line of customer.

We came across this shop that serves "Ice Kacang" - hehehe

Red Bean Ice

Mango Ice

Crab Meat Stew

Loko at that crab meat, together with slices of mushrooms ~ a hot meal great for a rainy day

We maybe early but we did manage to locate something nice. After the nice warm meal of crab meats, we went back to Ximending and instead of going back to the hotel we went for a quick bite.

Beef noodles, BS had it and commented how tasty it was. Due to my religion I waited for him to finish.

Mister Donut - the lady didn't allowed me to take picturs but I manage to take this shot when she said NO, oppsss....

Mee Sue - the all time famous Ah Chung Mee Sua.

I just had to have one piece before we call it a day.

This we didn't try. . . but the ladies are all lining up for one, I wonder why?

I would love to snoop about some more but BS pestered me to back. With a sad face, I agreed. I hope I will not be limping all the way up to Jiufen tomorrow ~ click here, Taiwan Day 3 - Part 1.

Taiwan - Day 2 - Part 1

2010-11-05T23:49:00.004+08:00

Being a clumsy person, I trip and hurt my knee on my second day in Taiwan. It happen on the Mermaid Bridge in Danshui-Fisherman's Wharf, how romantic!!!

Wait, before I go on further, allow me to bring you back to the start of the day. We woke up to a cloudy morning (how I wished it would be sunny day). After breakfast, we took the MRT to Danshui. We boarded the MRT at Ximen station and stopped at Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall station to get on the Danshui line.

We reached Danshui around 9:00am and started exploring.

Meet "Kapi", he stands guard at "83 Coffee".

Nougat Cake (click for more details)

They have six flavors; BS is helping himself to all.

The fishballs were fantastic; I can go down a bowl of rice with just the soup.

On the boat, heading to Mermaid Bridge, return ticket @ NT$100 per person.

Here it is, the Mermaid Bridge ~ this is where I trip and fell (sob sob).

Now this is interesting, it's actually a van cum boat. Wet or dry also no problem, hehehe

Guys only!!!

I didn't take much photos here as I was limping most of the time due to the pain (not much mood to go on). However, I did have a great time hunting for yummy food!!!

Don't ever miss this.. Deep fried squid...

Reminds me of Bangkok.

Dried beancurd

Ain't she a doll?

Food sampling is available from start of the street to the end. Tip: Do not throw away your toothpick, it will come in handy. You will encounter some of the delicacies again but there are some that don't. Happy sampling (grinning widely).

That is what I had for lunch ONLY and I haven't posted what I had for tea and dinner. For that, you will have to visit this page @ Taiwan - Day 2 - Part 2.

Taiwan - Day 1

2010-11-04T22:26:00.003+08:00

Yes, here we are in Taiwan. We touched down at 2:30pm and by the time we cleared immigration and the wait for our luggage (a dreadful wait it was), it's already 4:00pm plus.

Our flight, D7 2672

After 15 minutes waiting, our luggage are still no where to be seen.

While waiting for our luggage to arrive, an immigration officer appear together with a beagle. A cute little fellow and his duty was to sniffed out dangerous and unwanted materials from visitors luggage. He managed to sniffed out a package of fruits from a lady visitor (she was supposed to declare it at the custom). He was given a dog biscuit as a reward for a job well done.

The little scene did help put our mind away from the long awaited luggage. After getting our luggage we immediately headed out to get a bus out to Taipei main station; from there we we took the MRT and stop at Ximending. It was only one stop from Taipei main station to Ximending.

This where we got the bus tickets - NT90

Keep the tickets as it's the only reference number you have to claim your luggage.

Here we are in the bus.

We checked in at Qstay Hotel. It was already 5:00pm by then. After a short rest, we head out in search for food in Ximending.


Oh yes, I just had to take a picture with it :P

We came out to this road after passing the red house.

I couldn't wait - I need to have them, hehehe!!!

I would love too but one will do BS, we have more food to hunt :)

Oyster Mee Sua with Sour Plum drink.

The greedy one.

Seriously, there are so many to see and so many shops to explore. I will defintely come back after tonight.

Food again, "bang chang kueh"

Small hotdogs, look small but comes with a great bang.

Too bad Halloween is over, :P (I just had to imagine "someone" wearing it)

After exploring for about 3 hours, we decided to stop at one of the local bars to have a drink. We had one round and came back as we have an early start tomorrow will start early, really can't wait to see what Danshui has to offer us.

Click here for the start of our trip >>> Taiwan - Day 2 - Part 1.

They are two weeks old now!!!

2010-10-25T10:26:00.000+08:00

What a joy it was to see them sliding their way towards you. It's 2 weeks since Lizzie gave birth to her two precious babies; click here to see that wonderful day.

She is doing great and a very caring mother she is. She gets restless everytime we move her babies and will be standing on her two legs (should have taken that picture).

The notty one...

The shy and manja one...

Haha, yurp ~ this is how they sleep!!!

Green Green Update

2010-10-14T14:51:00.001+08:00

In one of my post (Some greens within a tiny space @ 6-3-12 ), I mentioned that there were some leakage in the pot where I planted my Water Lily. I replaced it with an aquarium that I got from The Pet Safari @ Ikano Power Center, Petaling Jaya.

Why an aquarium instead of a ceramic pot? . . . 100% sure it won’t leak ~ LOL ~ besides that, it looks nicer :-)

It has been a week since the transfer of my water lily from the leaking pot to the aquarium. Think they are happy with their new home. Lots of new leaves and I can see the bud at the bottom; really hope to see it bloom soon.

My other plants are growing well despite the small space. I am hoping the morning sunlight between 8:00am to 12:00pm is sufficient.

A few days back, the weather was so warm and it affected some of my plants. I watered and put them at a more cooling space. They are better now. I am a bit worried now, since I am going away for a week to Taiwan. I do need to come up with a plan and get help from my friends to come over and tend to their needs while I am away.

The leaking pot, I used it for my money plants. Instead of doing it away, right.

It is already a month and they are becoming part of my life, very interesting. They greet me day and night, and seeing them grow has been very rewarding.

hot 6th Anniversary Party!

2010-10-14T12:28:00.000+08:00

hot is turning SIX this year and we’re gearing up for the biggest and hottest party ever!

Turning up the heat with us, is our gorgeous host- Hunny Madu, and we would be dancing to tunes by Altimet, Prema Yin and more!

Don’t miss this, because at this birthday bash we’re on a giving spree! Be the first 500 to the door to receive a goodie bag; and if we think you are really hot, you could win our hottie of The Night award which ha...s loads of fabulous prizes. And the giving just doesn’t stop, because we have loads of lucky draw prizes to give away! Most of all, we want you to look absolutely hot and to enjoy yourselves at our birthday, so we have prepared free professional hairstyling and manicure services at the door!

Unless you want to miss this (and why would you?), join us at the Ministry of Sound, Euphoria @ Sunway Lagoon Resort on October 15 (Friday) at 7pm!

OH WAIT! We’re also on the lookout for hot’s BIGGEST FAN!

You don’t have to be the incredible “Hulk” or Wonder Woman, just be crazy about hot magazine, so that we have a good excuse to give you a 3D/2N holiday in Langkawi and feature you in hot!

All you have to do is:
1) Take a pic of yourself with at least an issue of hot 155, 156 or 157.
2) E-mail it to promotions@hotpotato.com.my with your name, IC and contact number
3) And wait for us to call you!

*To get your passes to the event, just go to this link http://bit.ly/9gYpPy to get your passes now!

Disconnect to Connect!!!

2010-10-08T17:02:00.002+08:00

I believe most of us have been thru that situation. Time to put down the gadget and have a good look around us. There are more important things in life;

"Our loved ones deserve our attention; Our friends deserves our respect; Our family deserves our time".

Remember, don't let gadgets rule. It is our loved ones, family and friends that make our life whole and meaningful.

Sample Itinerary ~ After much procrastination on it (Taiwan)

2010-08-17T14:47:00.005+08:00

Initially, I didn’t specifically choose Taiwan to be our holiday destination. In fact, I didn’t know where to go.

BS has been to Taiwan twice and told me load of stories, which sparked my interest about the island and coincidently AirAsia was having a promo (return at RM581.50 per person) and that initiated the trip.

The trip is coming near and the itineray is still no where complete. I have visited a few sites for information but still I couldn't get it organised. Maybe it's my character, goes with the flow and tend to do what I like on that particular day.

BS kept reminding me about the itinerary now and then and I kept procrastinating on it. It's right of BS to insist on the itinerary as it will certainly help in terms of saving time and cost when we are there.

Took some time and re-visited a few sites before I came out with the following itinerary. Most of the information I have obtained from http://kampungboycitygal.com/ , http://adamsmode.blogspot.com/ , http://taipeihostel.blogspot.com/ and http://jy-s.com/category/travel/taiwan/ .

Day 1 (Thursday)
- Arrival
- Shilin Night Market

Day 2 (Fri)

- Danshui
- Beitou
- Fisherman's Wharf
- Taipei Metro Mall

Day 3 (Sat)

- National Palace Museum
- Lunch at P.S. Bubu
- Shopping at Tienmu
- Shinkong Mitsukoshi
- Ximending
- Dinner at Modern Toilet Restaurant

Day 4 (Sun)
- Hualien

Day 5 (Mon)
- Din Tai Fung at Xinyi Rd
- Ice Monster at Yongkang St
- Taipei 101
- New York New York, Eslite Bookstore
- Wufenpu
- Raohe Night Market

Day 6 (Tue)
- Yehliu
- Jiufen
- Jinguashi
- Keelung (Miaokou Night Market)

Day 7 (Wed)
Home Sweet Home

Krabi Island - Time to go home

2010-08-09T14:09:00.002+08:00

Day FIVE

Had my breakfast and got me a cab to the airport. Before that I took some time to walk around the hotel, thanking some of the staffs there who has helped me with my stay.

Here I am, patiently waiting for my flight back. I look darn tired and tanned after a few days under the sun but it was a great escape for me. The whole idea of travelling alone wasn't that bad after all. I do have all the time to myself. I go as I please and stop if I want to.

My flight was delayed for 1 hour due to a storm outside. Arrived KLIA and took the train down to KL Sentral. It was great to see BS waiting for me.

Krabi Island - Day 4

2010-08-09T13:47:00.003+08:00

Day FOUR

What a night. I was drinking beer as if they were made of water. Gosh, luckily I didn't wake up with a headache. Although I was tired, I was determine to hit the beach after brunch.

I cruised along the beach, enjoying the wind blowing against my face. The sound and waves splashing on my feet were so relaxing. I could walked on and on.

I was tempted to try out but I didn't. I do not hope to injured anyone during the process :P

Spend the rest of my afternoon by beach. Had a few round of fruit juice. I never experienced this kind of relaxation back home.

I went back to my room after dinner. Slowly pack up my things. Can't beleive I am going back the next day. Felt like I just reach.

Krabi Island - 3

2010-08-09T12:38:00.003+08:00

Day THREE

By the time I woke up, it was already the third day of my trip. Whoa, the island hopping really drained all the energy in me. Thought of having a short rest but ended up sleeping thru the night.

I was worried when I saw the van waiting downstairs already. It seems I was not the last one, thank goodness. I got myself a leisure tour around the island for my third day.

I would like to introduce our guide Ms Pai. The first thing she said, "Dear all, please do not be alarm with my apperance. I may look different but I am good with what I am doing".

Er er er, how can I comment. . . .

Our first stop is the temple. I wasn't paying attention to her when she was explaning. One of the reason was I couldn't make out most of the words she said. Most of the time she was flirting around with the French tourists.

So I just went on and took photos.

Behing are the stairs leading to a hill behind the temple.

Huff and Puff . . . . . Nah, I stayed back :P

Little Buddha's all the way up the hill

That's a grumpy one.

We drag a bit longer here at the temple because some were still not back yet from the hill top. Next is lunch nearby the hot spring area.

Here, our Diva explaining the benefit of the hot spring.

We went in for a dip for about 10 minutes before moving on to the next spot, Emerald Pool.

Map ~ Nature Trails

Yurp, Emerald Pool this is. Nothing to wow.

A few tourists and I didn't join the Elephant Tracking, the final activity for the tour. We opted to go back into town.

After a day of activity, I needed something to cool down.

Yurp, a cold beer will do. Since I didn't get a chance to walk about the night before, I decided to head out to Aonang street after that.

Goodness me, the crowd here in the evening is totally different during the day. I decided not to take my camera out because I had earlier planned to have a free day on my fourth day so I am going to drink to my maximum at the local bar.

Yum Seng!!!

Krabi Island ~ 2

2010-08-07T17:12:00.003+08:00

Day TWO

Woke up with a hungry tummy. Headed down to the cafeteria for my complimentary breakfast. After that, a van picked me up and drop me off at the jetty together with other tourist.

We got on the speedboat and this marks the start of our tour.

I picked a spot at the very front of the speedboat so that I can get a better view. I am not sure what speed we were going at but I know it's fast. It was bumpy and windy with sea water splashing around.

Pass by Chicken Island

We reach our first destination for snorkeling. We stopped for about 20 minutes here.For those who prefer to stay dry waited on the boat and fed the fishes with white bread.

Love this view

Pretty fish

We continue on and stopped for a brief visit at some caves (sorry, i forgot the name) and were told that the caves here were inhabited by pirates a long time ago.

Here we passed by a famous spot where Leonardo did a shooting for one of his film.

Maya Bay

We stopped for about an hour in Maya Bay. There were a lot of tourist here. Felt like I was in Tanjung Bungah. Kid running around, splashing around. I picked a spot and sat there admiring the view with the disturbance of others.

Spicy but tasty

My mates from the same speed boat

Long tail boats

We proceed to another island nearby for lunch. The tour does include lunch but don't expect something fancy and if one can't take spicy food, there are shops on the island that sell breads and some non-spicy food. After lunch, I strolled for a while and notice there were a few shops operated by foreigners on Deep Sea Diving certification. The pricing sure is much lower compared to those back at home.

White sands and green trees all around.

Shame, some tourist doesn't know how to read.

This does worried me for a while :P

Our last stop, Bamboo Island. I didn't really understand why it was given that name since I do not see any bamboos on the island. Is it because the only color that one see here is green? But it was a great spot to relax by walking further into the island, away from the beach. A spot under the tree, ........ I doze off and was awaken by my guide that we are to leave.

Looking over ocean, I saw a storm brewing up. The storm came before we reach mainland, too bad I couldn't take any pictures (damn, if only I had a water proof camera). Since I picked the spot at the very front from the very start of the tour, I do not have a roof to cover me from the rain. The view and experience with the rain was something extraordinary.

Wet and tired by the time I reached my hotel, washed up and took a rest. . . .ZZZZzZZzzzZZZzzz

Krabi Island ~ 1

2010-08-06T22:19:00.006+08:00

Krabi, Oct 2009. 5 days 4 nights.

Air Asia, cost RM 118 return tickets.

(booked the trip 6 months ahead).

Day ONE

It was my first solo trip overseas if I don't count Singapore. I was quite scared thinking about it but I tried my best to my more research on the Internet and when the day came nearer I got more excited and the fear just fade away.

I reached Krabi on Oct 27, check out from immigration and walked out to the main road and hopped on a bus. It took about 30 - 40 minutes or a bit longer to reach Aonang beach. It is one of the most developed area and it is also where most of the tourists gather. But the action only happens at night, during the day the whole street is basically empty.

Aonang on my right

Aonang on left

I stayed at the Golden Beach Resort. I made my reservation through Agoda.com and landed myself with a 3 +1 promotion for the price of $129.62, including breakfast.

I was amazed when I went into my room. I was given a king size bed, how nice if I was there with someone I loved. Without wasting any time, I change into something comfortable and went to the nearest Tourist Information to check out their local tour packages.

Tourist Information Booth can be located easily anywhere on the island.

Remember, you can always bargain for a better price. By the time I was done selecting it was already evening. Decided to get an early dinner and have an early rest. I have selected island hopping as my first activity the next day. Can't wait for it as it will be my first time riding on a speed boat.

The beach in front of Golden Beach Resort ~ evening view

Long tail boat along Aonang beach ~ evening view

My first 5km run

2010-08-01T03:02:00.003+08:00

The day for our run has arrived and we are very excited about it. About a month ago, BS and I decided to sign up for the Men's Health Night Run 2010. Along the way I got my colleagues to sign up, in total there are 9 of us.

We decided to start our journey to venue (Putrajaya) early since we are not familiar with that area. We arrive about 5:30pm. The run is at 8:00pm that is how early we are. Maybe it's our first time and we do not want to miss out any action before the run.

The start point for the A to E category.

This is our start point for the fun run category.

To kill time, we checked out few of the sponsor's booth.

Juice Work giving free drink (small cup only, to try).

Main sponsor of the event.

Healthy snack bar.

Professionals waiting to assist. We guys do want to look good too ya.

Oh, hotdog . . . My favourite. . .

Used to be my favourite brand during my secondary years.

Strolling along we saw the MIX FM crew. BS and Angeline, a colleague of mine took part in one of their mini game.

The crew setting up.

BS and Angeline paying attention to the instruction given.

To be honest, I was not sure what the game was about. All I heard was BOMB here BOMB there.

We headed back to the center stage and were just in time to catch the pole dancing performance; sorry no picture ~ forgot ~ was too busy admiring the performance.

After that, two trainers from True Fitness took the stage and gave us a warm up by doing a track from Body Step.

We met up with other colleagues after the warm up session by the hotdog stand. How could we resist and ended up sharing one with BS.

Angeline, Mai Li and May Wan (taken right after our hotdog session and another 45 minutes to our run)

Amy couldn't join the run as she was not feeling well. Don't be sad, we can do some other runs soon.

Amy's bf, Jacky, doing some stretching. He was the only person in our group that is doing this for the second time. He participated in the MH Run 2009.

Just look at the crowd. Thank goodness we have mobile phone. If not I will have no idea on how to locate if one of us are lost.

It's time for us to check in and get ready for the run. We were directed towards the start point and I felt we were like sheep and cows being led towards the slaughter house. Nah, am just exaggerating.

Flagged off at 8:20pm.

Grouped back around 9:30pm.

Said our goodbye and left with tired legs and empty tummy. We headed down to Puchong for our dinner cum supper. By the time BS and I reach home it's already midnight.

Thought I could get a good rest but somehow sleep won't come hence my late night posting.

Oh yeah, the race ended with a goodie bag.

And in the goodie bag we have this

Last but not least, our certificate (without name, have to get a good friend with good hand writing to help)

It was a good experience for me. I was worried that my asthma would attack me in the middle of the run. I controlled my breathing and I completed the run without an attack. I am so happy and proud that I did it.

I will definitely be back for 2011 run. Till then, I will try to find some runs and challenge myself for a longer distance.

Woof Woof

2010-07-30T10:24:00.002+08:00

I would like to intro two of my best friend, Baby on the left and Goldy of the right. There is a reason why they are named that way. Baby has always been the manja type since we got her and Goldy has this glitteing gold coat on him when he is out in the sun. By the way, they are brother and sister.

In total there are seven of them in my home, Ipoh. one of them is a Golden Retriever. I will try to post them up soon. I am working in KL and I misses them dearly. Too bad my I am staying in a condo and dogs are not allowed, sigh. . .

It's alright I think, it will be something for me to look forward too whenever I go back home for a visit.

Towards a goal ~ achieavable?

2010-04-13T17:41:00.001+08:00

Been working out in the gym for around 3 months and trying hard to push myself and motivating myself to go the extra mile. Now looking back at myself in front of the mirror, am asking myself is there improvement or changes? A little perhaps hmm maybe none at all.

Working out three times a week; is that sufficient? Another 3 months to my big day, hope to see better results by then. Need to work more harder to reach my goal. Would be ideal if I could reach the one in the picture but that would take ????? gosh, how long would that be looking at the devotion I put when I work out.

I was told that body building is all about building and cutting hence his recipe for me;

1. Protein requirement : 1.5 grams / lb body weight

2. Meal frequency : Protein Requirement / 40

= No of meal per day

3. Carbo 1.5 grams / lb body weight

* Half of daily carbo need to be taken in

i) Breakfast ------- Low GI

ii) Post workout meal ------- Hi GI

4. Fibres : 20 grams during lunch and dinner respectively.

That's about it. Simple but hard to maintain but will try my very best to follow it (think I have to bring out my little weighing machine the next time I go out eating, LOL)

Apple that talk

2010-04-05T12:17:00.001+08:00

BS and I got ourselves our first iPhone a few days back signed up with Digi (telco provider). We had breakfast with Wolf and Cub at Coffee Connexion near Atria, Damansara Jaya. After that, we headed down to One Utama where the iPhone road show is which is also the venue for us to collect our phones.

Digi had a very well organized road show compare to Maxis when they first launch the iPhone (chaos). Digi had proper counters set up with sufficient manpower to run the show (good one, as ppl nowadays doesn't like to wait in long lines).

Since we were the early birds, the whole process lasted about half an hour for us to get the phone. There were different packages to choose from (RM88, RM138 and RM238 plan ~ took quite a long time for me to choose) and it come with a yellow casing (Digi mah). After putting it on, it's like apple with a yellow skin (hehehe).

BS put it, we are now part of the "finger apple man" (now that gave me a smile). It was open to Digi customers who pre-ordered the phone early. It is now open to public. For those who are interested, do check out the different plans, I am sure there is one for everyone.