The Travelog

Baby Xenetia @ 1 Week Old

2011-08-24T18:23:00.000-07:00

2 days old Xenetia still at the hospital

Carrying 3 days old Xenetia in my arms

She literally popped out a week ago, on the 17th Aug.

She's officially 1 week old now.

My baby has developed a sense of taste recognition.

She will hungrily suck on to the bottle nipple if she's given milk; pushes her lips forward to push the bottle away when it's plain water.

She has learned to express herself by crying whenever she wets her nappy and immediately stops when she's completely changed into new nappies.

Baby Xenetia has a very sweet smile.

She gave a wide smile today after successfully bullied her grandmother. She managed to stay tight lipped when fed with plain water to cure her hiccup until her grandmother gave up.

Wide awake and wanting to have a chat at 10 days old

Baby Xenetia has her ways of getting what she wants, i.e. through crying out loud.

Even in my womb, she was one restless soul and she still shows the trait after she's out. Her eyes are always rolling and her hands and legs are constantly moving when she's sleeping. At
times, she'll open her eyes.

As a baby, she should be sleeping most of the time, but she can't. She's always awake, with eyes wide open, and very alert to sounds and voices.

However, once being cuddled, she'll immediately dozed off soundly. Babies feel insecure, I think, when she can't sense her parents' or guardian's presence.

She's gained weight and is at a healthy 3.64kg.

Soon, baby, no, NOW!

2011-08-11T06:39:00.000-07:00

It's frustrating.

My patience is wearing thin.

We've been trying to persuade her to come out, but...to no avail.

I keep telling myself that she will come out when she's ready, but...I just can't seem to wait any longer.

I wish my labour was over by now.

I wonder if she's too comfortable being inside my womb.

In another week's my due date and I don't like the thought of getting induced.

That's my only concern. It's torturing.

And if my baby don't come out soon, she'll be too big I might need a C-section, which I'm totally against.

She was around 3.3 kg last week and my OB said she was a little too big for my size, which is tiny.

Yes, I'm a tiny pregnant lady and my back hurts so much at times I don't feel like moving around.

It's getting more and more difficult to get up from bed because of my increased weight and bigger baby bum and what's worse is that I have to get up several times throughout the night just to pee.

Arghhh....

I know, I know...I should be enjoying my pregnancy. I did. Now, I just want her to come out and me, over with pregnancy.

I'm anxious to see her and to cuddle her in my arms.

But most importantly, I want a natural birth or vaginal birth or however you might want to call it.

My husband suggested, "You must be stressed out."

What? I'm staying at home, doing so little chores and not working. Am I stressed?

Well, maybe...

Of course I am! I've been getting ready for labour for the past few weeks and I want a holiday!

I desperately need a getaway. Gosh, I'm experiencing pre-labour blues...I don't even know if it's the right term to describe my unstable emotions that just recently emerged.

I'm mostly tired, I guess.

I'll be alright.

I'll get some rest and I'll be fine....

I hope my baby comes out soon...it's OK if she wants to wait till she's ready.

I still love her with all my heart.

XOXOXOXO

Waiting for Delivery!

2011-07-18T22:23:00.000-07:00

Here I am with a 34-week-old baby in my womb that's trying to kick herself free from the uterus wall.

From gentle tingles to quite painful ones at this third trimester as her bones, skull and senses are almost perfectly formed.

I swear I feel her hands and legs stretching across my belly many times a day. At times it hurts so much I'll give a gentle scream to distract myself from the pain. Sometimes, I'll negotiate with her to stop hurting me when I'm in the mood.

There's always something new to discover throughout the process of pregnancy and my husband and I put into test our theories. The latest discovery - she'll stop her activities whenever we talk to her (it seems that she can recognise the tone). Each time we stop talking to her, she'll move again. So cute!

The OB reminds me at each appointment to keep count of her movements at least 20 for half a day, and my baby girl is definitely an active one!

Young parents have advised me to have a healthy sleeping pattern as the baby will follow the same pattern when she's out. But I find it so difficult to have a good night sleep lately and I end up getting tired easily during the day. No pillows or bolsters can help me to sleep better. It's almost tortorous.

Appetite has grown tremendously. I eat every 3-4 hours now and after a heavy meal, I'll find myself full up to the neck and it feels so uncomfortable that I wish I could vomit the food out. Indigestion really sucks. I'm now over 56kg (from 44kg before pregnancy).

Also, I find it harder to pass motion even though I eat an apple every morning, which I thought would help relieve constipation. But no. However, it's still OK. Two days of constipation the most.

What have I been doing at home? I'm waiting...waiting for delivery. It's exciting. It's also stressful.

It's getting more difficult to just walk (sluggishly) as the weight is taking its toll on me. I can't stand too long or I'll have a mild backache. I find myself panting more often now and sweating all the time.

My mom told me that this is just the beginning, more is yet to come....(thanks Mom, it helps alot).

As much as I try to be joyful, I just can't at times. Many factors are restraining me from being a Happy Mom, especially the fact that I don't get goodnight sleeps anymore as I wake up 3-4 times just to pee.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining...just sharing. I'm so excited and happy! I've packed my labour hospital bags, two of them - one for me, one for my baby.

My princess Xenetia is arriving in August!

One Restless Soul

2011-05-29T22:06:00.000-07:00

by z_l3nG

The Third Trimester

The beginning of the third trimester sees no big changes compared to the second, only a lot more movement inside the womb, mainly caused by my baby girl, and a growing appetite.

She seems to respond exceptionally well to sounds and noises: from scores of people talking in an exhibition hall to a single voice of a stranger in a quiet shop to dog's barking at 4 in the morning.

She's definitely one restless soul.

Last week, after nearly two months of not watching movies on the silver screen, we decided to watch Pirates of the Carribean. We sat at the first fourth or fifth row, which was very close to the screen and the sound was, even to me, deafening that my ears were shouting in pain.

As the movie started, I could feel her moving about, with her fists and strong legs stretching the layer of my belly, and she continued to move for a long time, probably, 5-10 minutes. My husband, who was feeling my belly all the while, said, "Let's leave. I don't want to take the risk."

Oh, how sweet...he wouldn't let his baby go through the torment. So, we paid RM20 for a 15-minute movie, including advertisements. No more movies!

Lately, I've switched to watching Disney channel. When the animated cartoons sing songs, she'll start to dance inside. She really likes listening to songs, even Elvis Presley's 'Love Me Tender', which I play every night on my IPhone.

When she's not moving, most probably resting, I'll gently call her, "Baby, my baby girl..." and she'll surely respond with a kick or a punch.

Good girl!

Last night, when she was resting, I disturbed her by calling her again (this time abit louder) and she responded with one strong thud! Both me and my husband jumped. She must be so annoyed.

She moves a lot, and I mean A LOT.

Still, I have yet to identify which body parts are moving.

Last Friday, we went to the OB for a check-up and ultrasound.

We saw her face! Oh, yes, we were overly excited.

Her eyes were closed, for sure, her nose a bit pointy and her lips, mmm....definitely not pouty.

When I saw her heart pumping in the rib cage, I just couldn't believe my eyes. It was the first time ever I had seen such an image so clearly.

The OB was a bit frustrated because he couldn't get a clear, proper ultrasound pic of the foetus. When it was clear for capturing, she moved. So, we left empty-handed. No ultrasound pic.

Also, the placenta was too close to her, she was boxing and kicking it. Poor baby. She's in need of more space, but nothing can be done to the position of the placenta, which is still quite low.

I hope you, my baby, will get more comfortable as time goes by...

That's all for now!

Entering the 3rd trimester

2011-04-26T21:39:00.000-07:00

"How many months now?"

I get that a lot nowadays, which I didn't get during my first trimester - the attention.

Clearly, my baby bump's got bigger, much bigger and rounder now.

And because my unborn child has grown in size, I often experience backaches and even sitting up straight causes discomfort to my back.

I need pillows, more pillows the better. Soft ones of course.

Shopping was THE thing to do but now, I have to take a 10 to 15 min break (to sit down) almost after every hour of sluggish stroll in the mall.

This favourite activity of mine - shopping - hasn't been that fun lately.

I get tired easily. Backache is the main issue here.

Despite not having that much fun walking around the huge malls in KL, I have, subconsciously, developed an impulse shopping disorder.

And this is recent.

I just HAVE to buy something every single week to fulfil my shopping desire and it makes me feel very happy.

I wonder if it's hormonal-related or a feel-good therapy.

But one thing's for sure - it's definitely a guilty pleasure. I'm a shopacholic.

Thus, I've entrusted my husband with a very important duty - to control this disorder of mine.

But it's not helping much as he's just too nice, too kind to restrict me.

He'd swallow the word 'no' each time I gave him the "puss in boots cute eyes" look and asked, "Can I buy this?"

The "look" always works.

Besides this disorder, I'm also having sharp pains in my head (also called headaches) which comes and go quite frequently.

I don't want to take aspirin.

So, I just drink plenty of water and 100 Plus in the hopes of curing it.

It's working, I think.

The headaches are slowly fading.

Thank goodness.

Oh, my baby girl that's inside my belly, is constantly kicking and punching and somersaulting.

Her movements are more distinctive, which means, I can distinguish her movements from my bowel movements.

She's an athlete.

She always, always kicks me to indicate that she needs food because after a minute or two, I will start to feel hungry.

She can already express herself! Marvellous.

Oh, she's communicating with me now...and it means, I need to fill my stomach right away.

Still enjoying my pregnancy...:)

Cititel Penang

2011-04-20T08:40:00.000-07:00

by z_l3nG

Georgetown Penang

Windy and sunny

Let me start off by saying:

"Cititel Georgetown in Penang is not a fabulous hotel to stay, but it's definitely value for money."

If you're like me, a Penang food junkie, but not at all crazy about the gorgeous hotels along Batu Ferringhi, take my word - go Cititel.

They always offer better rates and the rooms are not bad.

Yes, you can find cheaper room rates in Georgetown only if you don't mind the condition of the rooms and hotel service.

For instance, I stayed at Hotel Malaysia years ago and if I remember correctly, the room rate was RM100, oh yes, very cheap indeed, but the room was old and dull and the sheets weren't clean.

Also, the room smelt funny and you don't get complimentary bottles of mineral water.

They may have upgraded the rooms now. I don't know, but one thing's for sure - I ain't going back there.

So far, I find that Cititel is one of the more decent and affordable hotels around Georgetown.

What I like about this hotel is its strategic location.

You can get anywhere easily, by bus, cab or three-wheeled vehicle known as trishaws. Who needs free hotel breakfast when you can get food just across the street and right next to the hotel?

If you decide to take a ride on a trishaw, don't accept their first offer. Bargain. You can at least get 20% - 30% discount.

Georgetown now offers free shuttle bus around the city and to major attractions in Georgetown and the good news is, the bus stop is just right across Cititel, which is in front of a parking lot.

OK, let's look at some photos of Cititel's standard room:

This isn't a fancy and modern room, but decent and clean. The bed's quite comfy too.

There's no LCD TV in a standard room, but quite a few channels to choose from though.

The light at the dressing table is dim, so can't get a good look at the make-up. Solution: Open the curtains to get natural light in.

Who says you can't get a seaview room in Georgetown? Ok, who am I kiddin'? But, hey, you can get a glimpse of the sea...not bad, huh?

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cititel Lobby

Before booking, try finding other websites like marimari.com or hotels.com to compare room rates.

For local hotels, I usually book through marimari.com. For last minute reservation, try latestay.com.

They're reliable and efficient.

Cititel info as follows:

Add: 66, Jalan Penang, 10000 Penang, Malaysia

Tel: 604-370 1188

Reservations: 1800-38-3388

Email: info@cititelpenang.com

Mine's a Princess

2011-04-03T23:46:00.000-07:00

It's official. It's a girl.

"There's nothing in between the legs," said the OB (short for obstetrician) last Saturday. "No male thing."

I had a laugh in my heart. Why couldn't he just say, 'there's no penis?'

Conservative still, I think. Or could it be too tiny to be called a penis?

I don't know.

So I'm having a baby girl in August.

I remember having this conversation with my husband, sometime last year, pointing out that most of our friends had baby girls.

The statistic was, 5 out of 6.

It was like a pandemic.

In the corner of my mind, I thought it's time a boy comes into the picture, and that I would be the one who beat the odds.

Turns out, Nope. I'm in THE statistic as well.

Don't get me wrong. I'm absolutely OK with any gender.

A girl. It should be fun. It's like dressing up a Barbie doll, you know.

I get to dress her up in different style everyday; short skirts with leggings, blouse with short pants, mini dress with a matching headband and so on...whoa, I can go on for days just thinking of the many fashion for my baby girl.

First child, a daughter is good. A girl always takes care of her siblings and is so loving and caring.

Oh, and fathers just have that special bond with their daughters, just like mothers with their sons.

So, it's a good thing.

As aforementioned, I went to see my OB just last Saturday, again, a week earlier than the appointment set last month.

When the nurse asked why we were early, we told her, "Oh, we're busy next week."

That was a lie. The truth was, I couldn't wait for another week to see my baby on the screen.

It's become an addiction.

I wanted to know if my baby's doing fine inside the uterus and if she's comfortable.

The gender of the foetus was supposed to be revealed to me and my husband last month, but my baby was all curled up, hugging itself, probably sleeping.

So there was no way for my OB to get a clear picture of the foetus.

Last week, we couldn't get a clear shot of her either.

She was so restless and vigorous. Both her legs were stretched out, long and straight, and in another milisecond, she was in a crawling position, with her hips up.

There was never a moment where she was still in one position.

But, it was a sign of good health.

Her heart, to my amazement, was pumping so fast and hard, at more than 150beats per second!

It was something new to me.

It was very exciting.

I guess the thing that gets me up early in the morning (which I usually don't) on each doctor appointment was the thought of seeing the growing baby inside me. Each time is just different; so many changes in only a month.

I get tickled once in a while everyday because she's moving alot!

It feels out of this world.

And I can say, I'm loving it!

- 20 weeks + into pregnancy -

Source:
Images from Google

Wedding Planning Checklist

2011-03-30T03:18:00.000-07:00

9 - 10 months before the BIG day, i.e. your wedding

Decide on a location for your destination wedding
Draw up a wedding budget
Decide on the size of your wedding and begin developing a guest list
Gather information about potential ceremony and reception sites, set a date, and book as soon as you are sure of your location
Gather informaion about marriage requirements
Hire your wedding planner
Invite your close friends and family to be part of your wedding party
Choose and book the officiant
Develop your wedding website
Researc group room rates and reserve blocks of rooms for your wedding party and guests. Update your website with the information
Begin shopping for your bridal gown
Begin researching wedding vendors including photographers, videographers, florist, reception bands and DJ
Book your caterer

9 months

Order your wedding shoes
Book your photographer
Book your videographer
Book your reception band or DJ
Book your florist
Send out your "Save the Date" cards or smses

8 months

Decide on men for reception
Begin shopping for bridesmaids' attire
Decide on flowers
Make travel arrangements for wedding and honeymoon

7 months

Order bridesmaids' dresses
Begin exploring music selections for your ceremony and reception

6 months

Begin attending pre-marital counselling
Shop for wedding invitations
Groom: begin shopping for attire for you and your groomsmen
Register for gifts

5 months

Gather all the documentation you will need in order to be married at your destination
Apply for passport if you do no have one; if you have a passport, be sure it's still valid
Obtain a visa if your destination requires one
Obtain translations for your documents if required
Shop for wedding rings (or earlier if there's sale)
Research cake designers

4 months

Order your wedding invitations
Order your wedding cake
Order your wedding rings
Make arrangements for wedding day transportation

3 months

Address your wedding invitations
Begin writing your wedding vows, if you're a Christian
Begin designing wedding programme if you intend to have one

2 months

Send out your wedding invitations
Begin deciding on your hairstyle and try different hair do's
Purchase gifts for attendants, parents & each other
Purchase items for gift baskets
Prepare a packing list for travel to your destination and honeymoon

1 month

Have your final dress fitting
Check in wth bridesmaids to be sure their alterations are on schedule
Finalise the order with your florist
Meet with your photographer to discuss the pictures that are important to you
Contact your ceremony and reception musicians to finalise the music that will (and will not!) be played

2 weeks

Call guests who have not returned their rsvp
Bride: get your hair trimmed and coloured
Prepare your reception seating chart

When you arrive at your destination

Meet with your wedding coordinator to go over last minute details
If you do not have a wedding coordinator, contact each of the wedding vendors to confirm all arrangements
Get your marriage license
Have your dress pressed
Get manicure and pedicure
Meet with your hairstylist if you're having one; usually the make-up artist is your hairstylist

Source: Destination I do & Honeymoons Too Spring 2009

You are What you Think

2011-03-22T22:32:00.000-07:00

Here's something I've been keeping on my notice board for ages and would like to share it with you:

You are what you think:

Thoughts are like seeds...

Watch your thoughts

They become your words

Watch your words...

They become your actions.

Watch your actions...

They become your habits

Watch your habits...

They become your character

Watch your character

They become your DESTINY.

-Unknown-

Then and Now: My Feelings about Being Pregnant

2011-03-04T00:42:00.000-08:00

I had mixed feelings when I first found out that I was pregnant, mostly because I wasn't prepared to be a mother. Unplanned pregnancy, what d'you expect?

The first time the doctor did ultrasound on my belly, 'it' (my unborn baby) was just merely 4.6cm in diametre. All I could see was just a black dot.

I was OK, emotionally.

I did feel a bit nervous when I stepped into the clinic because I wasn't sure if I were pregnant.

"What if I were?" "What happened next?" All these questions were circling in my mind.

When the doctor broke the news to me that I was indeed pregnant, I breathe a sigh of relief. Not that I was all joyful or anything.

No more guessing games. No more anxiety. That was 'the' relief.

A new thing to worry about, that's all.

The next immediate decision was which hospital to go to. That was easy.

There's only one nearby.

So we made the time to go to the hospital.

The second checkup was at the hospital, my first appointment with a gynaecologist (I eventually said vaGINA-cologist *Blush*). And it kind of changed my feeling about being pregnant.

'It' had developed into a vague figure.

I could see its heartbeat, a sign of life; its head and behind were visible and I could see its hands and they moved, a bit.

I developed a sense of motherhood in that instant.

I was...pretty ready to be a Mom.

I was in my 9 weeks' of pregnancy.

A month later and I was back at the hospital, waiting patiently for 2 long hours to see the gynaecologist (it happens sometimes). Those who came in later than me went in first, which I later concluded that they had bigger bellies than me and so they were prioritised.

Well, it wasn't a big deal. It was worth the wait.

Whenever I visit the gynaecologist, there's only one thing in my mind.
Do the ultrasound immediately!
I wanna see my baby!

So there it was...only a tiny 7cm, but was already moving vigorously, stretching its hands and kicking its legs.

The body parts were becoming more apparent. I could see clearly both his hands, legs, relatively big head and bum.

I realised...I had fallen in love, with this life inside me.

I'm now into my 4th month pregnancy and I can't wait to have him/her in my arms in August.

Oh, I'm so over the moon right now....

I'm going to see my baby in 2 weeks' time! On the screen, I mean.

AirAsia X Factor

2011-03-01T21:33:00.000-08:00

I was on an AirAsia X flight returning to Kuala Lumpur from Tianjin, China. It was my first time on AirAsia X.

Why AirAsia X, you ask? Well, it's the only airline in KL which has direct flights to Tianjin.

If there were an alternative, I'd surely opt for that.

So, there we (my husband and I) were, onboard and settling down, tucking our carry-on luggage into the over-head compartment, when a woman in her early 50s asked my husband to put her rather large carry-on into the same compartment as ours, which was already quite full.

So, he did her the favour, placed her luggage into the compartment and she thanked him for that.

It was almost time for take off; flight attendants were trying to finalise everything, making sure all compartments were tightly closed and what have you not.

We were buckled up and ready for take off, when a stewardess asked the owner of a luggage (in this case, it was the woman in her 50s) to transfer her bag to another compartment as it was too full.

The woman looked at her (the stewardess) helplessly because it seemed that the luggage was too heavy for her to carry. So, she asked the stewardess in the most polite manner if she could help her with her luggage.

Well, we all know that it's a flight attendant's duty to help passengers, right? And they would always help with a smile.
Or so I thought.

The reply she gave to that woman sucked me into a complete disbelief phase.

"It's your bag, shift it on your own."

I believe my eyes widened for a long one minute. I was stunned. Totally taken aback.

Not only did she say that loudly, but she said in a rather rude tone; it sounded like a command. And to a woman in her 50s!

I would never do that, ever.

I felt so sorry for that woman.

In the end, the poor woman shifted the bag on her own, without even complaining or getting mad at anyone.

As for the stewardess? She acted like nothing happened and continued doing her "duties".

I wonder, was it THAT difficult of a task for her to perform? It'd only take her less than, say, 2 minutes max to move that bag.

But, she just wouldn't do it.

What you pay is what you'll get. In this case, it applies.

So, if you choose to fly AirAsia or AirAsia X, drop all your expectations.

You wouldn't want to wind up in frustration and disappointment.

Bon Voyage!

More about AirAsia X on the next posting.....stay tuned.

Legend Water Chalets, Port Dickson

2011-02-10T04:30:00.000-08:00

by z_l3nG

Latest: Now from only RM290++ per room per night!

Legend Water Chalets review

Nestling 3.8km away from the town of Port Dickson are the 5-star Legend Water Chalets and Legend International Homes.

Now, if you travel from Port Dickson town, you just might get lost, thanks to the poor positioning of the Resort's signages.

There's a signage, oh yes, that states "Legend Water Chalets - 600m", but that would be the last signage you'll see.

After that, you're on your own.

So, my advice is, keep your eyes wide open for a very large billboard of "Legend Water Chalets" on your left. That's the turning you have to take.

Another option? Follow the signages of "Glory Beach Resort."

Glory Beach Resort is just next to Legend Water Chalets. You won't get lost.

Since the more acclaimed resort Avillion Port Dickson was full house, we opted to stay in one of the units at Legend Water Chalets, Port Dickson last weekend.

We stayed in Room 099, which faces the sea.

You get the whole view of the sea and the sky all for yourself.

There's a surcharge for sea front units though - RM150 per night.

But, we were lucky to get the upgrade for FREE!

We were taken aback when we first entered our room.

The design is very unique, or I'd say "kinda weird" because the bathroom greets you before your bedroom does. (Frankly, I'm not really fond of the room.)
Once you open the door, you'll see a wash basin right in front and the shower area on the right.

But put that aside, you get a nice room...

A large bathtub fit for 2, a shower room with a roof skylight, a King-sized bed, a see-through glass panel on the floor and a balcony that allows you to soak in the sun, sky and sea - what more can you ask for?

We spent most of our times in the room and at the balcony, watching sunset.

The sight was stunning...we watched until darkness set in.

As you can see in the photo, there's nothing, absolutely nothing that separates you from the sun, sea and sky of Port Dickson.

I felt one with the nature that weekend. So close.

It's a place fit for meditation.

Now, you might think that this resort is a romantic getaway for couples.

Hey, you're right; Almost right.

When we went exploring around the resort, we discovered that there were so many activities we could do!

We could rent a bicycle, sing our hearts out in a Karaoke room, watch a movie at night, get fit at the gymnasium and go car racing at the mini arcade. Oh, oh....they have pool game too! And, swimming pool, of course.

You can even rent a fishing rod and fish from your room!

(Pic: It's hard to see it, but if you look closely, there's a fishing rod sticking out from a room)

You decide whether you want it to be a romantic getaway or a fun-filled family time!

A major setback of this resort is that there's no private beach, you share the beach with other occupants from other resorts.

But who cares? The beach is polluted anyways.

Don't expect the water of Port Dickson to be clear and its beach, pristine.

Oil rigs are located nearby.

Unlike Penang, Port Dickson has nothing much to offer in terms of, almost everything - food, activities, clean beach, attractions. Nothing.

So, if you plan to visit Port Dickson, invest on a wonderful resort to stay in.

Normal Rate: RM350++

For more information, visit http://www.legendwaterchalets.com.my/

Address: The Legend Water Chalets Port Dickson

Batu 2, Jalan Seremban,
71000 Port Dickson,
Negeri Sembilan,
Malaysia.

Tel: +606 653 2000
Toll Free: 1 800 88 0017

(All texts and photos are copyright reserved - z)

My Pre-Wedding Album: Teaser

2011-01-20T00:52:00.000-08:00

This is what I've been busy with - Wedding preparation

These are the photos in my pre-wedding album. To peek at the photos before they were edited, visit http://szelovestravel.blogspot.com/2010/08/sneak-preview-my-prewedding-shots.html

All photos taken by Edmund Tham & assistant.

Now that wedding's over, I've added some new photos.

Personally, I'm in love with the shots!

Enjoy!!

Sneak Preview - My PreWedding Shots

2011-01-19T19:28:00.000-08:00

First Stop.

Sekeping Tenggiri.

(Read my blog post on Sekeping Tenggiri guesthouse in Bangsar @

http://szelovestravel.blogspot.com/2010/07/tale-of-tenggiri-preview.html)

Raw, unedited pre-wedding photos by Edmund Tham

We stayed at Sekeping Tenggiri for a night, a day before our much-awaited moment - the pre-wedding photography session.

I could barely sleep that night, tossing and turning in bed; my mind was just simply restless.

Or should I say, nervous! And, that's not good at all.

We woke up at 6 the next morning (me with puffy eyes) and I cleansed my face without applying moisturiser after; toner is sufficient at this stage.

Or the cosmetics won't work well on the skin.

One word of advice: Don't make last-minute appointment with your beautician.

My make-up artist (MUA), Chew Yen, arrived around one hour later.

Edmund Tham (a World's Top 9 WPJA Wedding Photographer in 2008) and team arrived a short while after.

After 2 hours of hair-pulling and hair-twisting drama, I was all set and ready for pre-wedding shooting at around 9am, with my make-up on and hairdo all ready.

We started shooting from 9 and ended at 1pm. I wore the heavier wedding gown at Sekeping Tenggiri and also the evening gown before we hit the dusty road.

We left Sekeping Tenggiri and headed to the next location - Rawang.

--------------------------------------------------------------

Second Stop.

Rawang

Taken and edited by Edmund Tham

Unedited photos taken by Edmund Tham

Our first stop was at this aged Caltex station somewhere in Rawang which had just recently changed its signboard.

Had it (the signboard) been the old one, the effect would've been way cooler.

Still, the outcome of the shot (plus editing) is phenomenal.

The visit was like travelling back in time, to the 1980s; even the air smelled 'old' and the ground was dusty and sandy.

Before I got down from the car, I applied a generous amount of sunblock on my skin and thought that'd do it.

However, the MUA told me that sunblock usually takes 15-20 minutes to take effect. *Oh, Great!*

I did get sunburned, but not severe in my case. *Thank Goodness.*

We got ourselves a handful of spectators (called fans) at the station too, not bad.

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Final Stop.

Kerling

Pre-wedding photo taken and edited by Edmund Tham

Raw file by Edmund Tham; standing among the giant machines on the site

After a few stops in Kuala Kubu Bharu, this is the second final stop, in Kerling.

Sitting on the soil of this site are mammoth-sized tractor and other machineries which names are not known to me.

I had tough time walking on the soil as the ground was soft and there was mud all over.

I guess wearing a pair of Nike running shoes here would make life a lot easier, but I only brought a pair of Crocs and the rest, heels.

Unedited pre-wedding shots by Edmund Tham - near the site in Kerling

When we reached here, the sun was sinking as evening approaching; the clouds were thick behind us, so the scenery blend in very well with the setting at the site.

Word of advice: Be sure to ask permission before entering any sites or you might get into trouble!

Taken at the road side, on the way to Kuala Kubu Bharu

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Despite it being a wet season, it didn't rain at all that day!

Good force was with us that day. :)

Thank you so much to Edmund Tham & his team for making our day so wonderful and stress-free!

On Gowns

Note that all my gowns are from La Runa, SS2.

The rental of the gowns ranges from RM500 to more than RM1, 500, depending on the quantity of gowns you rent and the fabric as well as the designs.

All gowns are very, very well-kept and definitely value for money!

Check out La Runa's collection @ http://laruna.com.my/ OR

call 03-78778881 for an appointment

On the Road Trip

Try to minimise the things you bring along on the day of your photography outing, else you might end up losing one or two items.

Leave your watch at home, you don't have to wear it.

Remember your sunglasses, sunblock cream and a comfy pair of shoes.

Being pregnant

2011-01-18T00:19:00.000-08:00

Being pregnant is not easy, as what I'm experiencing now.

Tossing and turning in bed in the middle of the night is just, frustrating. It's just so difficult to sleep in the right position that I'm comfortable with.

Being a person who's used to sleeping on the back, I find it very hard to sleep on my left throughout the night. It bothers me when I don't sleep on my left, fearing it will obstruct my baby's air or blood circulation. And that causes anxiety.

Before I got pregnant, it was easy to sleep my night through even when I was hungry. Not anymore. I simply have to eat even when it means getting up at 3 in the morning! I sit on the bed and munch some biscuits or any light snacks, with my eyes shut.

Then, I will literally sleep in a sitting position for at least 30 minutes before I lie down on bed. I simply need to get the food digested.

I feel nauseous every single day and that means, no travelling long distance. Staying at home doesn't make me more comfortable.

I usually pop one or two sour plums into my mouth and I immediately feel better!

Unfortunately, that cures my nausea for only one minute.

Now, it's almost impossible to wear skinny jeans or tight dresses. That's one thing I have to sacrifice for the next several months.

I ate 3 meals a day, but now countless times!

It'll not get any better when my belly starts to grow bigger.

- My second month of pregnancy-

Top 5 Wedding Car Decors

2010-12-02T23:24:00.000-08:00

No.1 goes to Mr & Mrs Smart!

With long, curly lashes and pouty, red lips, how could one resist such beauty?

This is a loud out-of-the-box idea, and it's Smart too! Way to go!

The problem is, there has to be 2 cars. Shouldn't bride and groom be in one car?

So they go together, separately? *scratch head*

Now, this hottie could just be the problem-solver! If you wish to be in the same car as your partner, pick this one, although it may not look that appetising. *tongue sticking out*

I just don't understand why it has to be a female. Why can't it be both?

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This extremely simple and classic design bags the No.2 spot.

I've not seen this decor anywhere in Kuala Lumpur.

The combination of bow-shaped ribbon with a small bouquet of flowers sitting in the centre exudes simplicity and class.

Maybe it only works fine on white cars.

As elegant as it may look, it's too simple to be noticeable, ain't it? After all, wedding happens only once in a lifetime!

But if you rent a car like this one, nobody could miss it!

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Love is sweet. So should car decorations be.

This heart-shaped 'car plate mistletoe' simply tastes sweet, even the air is scented with the sweetness.

This is no.3 on my list.

I just wonder if all wedding cars should be white in colour. It looks perfect with any decor and colour.

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This is a modernised classic (with empty bottles tied to the car) wedding car decoration.

I don't know about you, but I'm kinda bored *yawn* with bears (or other animals) tied on the front of the car. That's stuffed animals cruelty.

Don't get me wrong, they're Cute, but too many of them on the road, hmm...too boring.

So this is the no.4 wedding car decor that I think is kinda different, you know?

This is one uncommon wedding car decoration I've seen. The size of the 'Just Married' plate is just nice.

The colours are too light and not nicely matched, but acceptable. Whatcha think?

Each of us would want to 'wow' the crowd on our BIG day with well, something different, unique, and this may be one of them.

This is a design you might want to consider, but make some changes to it. It'll look better.

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No.5 goes to the most classic kind.

White polka dots on red paint? A disaster. But cute.

Not saying that you should get a car exactly like this one...but it's the concept that's long forgotten you might be interested to employ.

Or not....

This design was in my list, but I figured that it's not practical and it poses danger to other motorists.

I bet you've seen this in the movies, just-married couples throw themselves into their cars, wave goodbye to their guests, and away they go with the sound of empty bottles clinking on the road as they go.

This is doable if you don't have to hit the highway or main roads. But, if the journey is short, do it!

Mind you, this design can be cute or disastrous. You've been warned.

So, there it is...if you found more interesting ones, do share with me! :) Cheerios!

Note: All pics from Google images.

Today's Full Moon

2010-11-21T07:08:00.000-08:00

The sky was clear and we could see clouds formed like cotton candies in the dark grey horizon.

We quickly set up our camera and tripod and managed to capture this beautiful sight.

When I looked at the horizon, I asked myself, "When was the last time I looked up to the sky and admired the beauty of nature?"

I couldn't recall.

Life is busy, yes. But you've got to pause and clear your mind.

When you need to relax, look at the starlit sky and count the twinkling stars, including sparkling satellites.

You'll soon forget your worries and be at peace...

Prudential Hotel in Hong Kong

2010-11-01T01:29:00.000-07:00

HONG KONG

23 - 26 Oct 2010

Temp: 20+ degree celcius, sunny and windy

No, Typhoon Megi didn't hit Hong Kong, it missed

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HOTEL

Standing not so impressively tall or stylish on Nathan Road is Prudential Hotel with over 100 boutiques and a railway station below it.

This four-star hotel, conveniently located in Tsim Tsa Tsui, Hong Kong, houses a 6-storey shopping mall and is atop of Jordan Mass Transit Railway Station.
Although the hotel isn't new or impressive on the outside, its services are up to 4-star standard, rest assured.

The bell boy's always ready at the entrance to take your luggages out of your vehicle. They're truly efficient and strong.

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LOBBY

Designed with a touch of simplicity and class, Prudential Hotel's lobby exudes elegance despite not having a very large space.

The dim lighting and well-polished marble floor create a relaxing atmosphere, makes you want to sleep

Waiting Hall

Rest and chill out at the lobby's spacious waiting area while waiting for check-in.

Trust me, it's really an area mainly for resting.

There's no TV to watch, nothing to do, except watching people passing by.

The elevators function very well and get you to your floor fast, but not instantly

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ROOM

I have no complaints about the hotel room as it's rather spacious although you can get a much bigger room in Malaysia with the same room rate. But, this is Hong Kong, so don't expect too much.

The size of the room (9ft x 3.5ft) is good enough for 2 to 3 occupants.

The only thing decorating the white clean wall in the room is an abstract picture and that's all, nothing fancy.

However, I have to say I loved the bed, pillow and comforter because they were all very comfortable and most importantly, clean and odourless.

There's free broadband internet access if you're an internet junkie.

Extra bed is not required if you have a small kid as there's a couple's couch (sofa bed) for her to sleep in.

If you notice, there's no curtains or blinds to cover the window, but hollow steel frames (I think so, judging by the light weight of those things).

These frames (or so I think they're called) are better in the sense that when closed, there's absolutely no natural lights that can sneak into the room.

So, you're guaranteed a good sleep even when the sun is shining mightily outside.

Hongkies mostly live in flats like these, old and not spacious - view from my room

There's everything you need, hairblower, toothbrush and toothpaste, soap, shampoo and conditioner, bathrobes, safe and even a radio alarm with ipod docking as shown below.

Overall experience: Good. No complaint. Prudential Hotel is strategically located in Tsim Tsa Tsui.
There are some good fashion boutiques inside the building.
For good food, go to Tsui Wah restaurant, which is just nearby.

There's a gym and swimming pool in the hotel.

Note: Leave HKD 20 on the bed as a tip for the cleaners. I think it's a norm in Hong Kong. (optional)

Room Rate: from HKD 850 (around RM400), with a bathtub

HK is a generally safe city to travel.

For more info, visit http://www.prudentialhotel.com/

Add: 222 Nathan Road Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon

The Day I Lost Part of My Soul

2010-10-12T20:35:00.000-07:00

This is an imcomplete piece I wrote with ease...enjoy reading! Will update my blog with photos soon...have a lil' patience. :)

by z_l3nG

I knew what was coming my way, but not in the exact detail. No, I wasn’t aware of what I should expect to happen in a precise manner. It was almost like the end of the world for deep down inside, I was sinking fast, just the way Titanic did, without knowing how fate would treat me after I sank for good.

I can’t tell you what the weather was like that day, I didn’t get a chance to view the sky or see the sun, no, not that day, for I was too occupied with the very same thing, at the very same spot.

But I can tell you this, I wasn’t sweating at all, but a bit soaked though. It wasn’t the rain or water that wetted my cheek, lips, T-shirt and all the way to the pants, it was my tears and a good amount of it that just wouldn’t stop coming. Those tears were like rain water gushing through a wide stream after a torrential rain.

My mind, it was in a battle; a fight between me and myself. There’d be a sudden bombing, then it’d become so silent I could hear my own breath. Suddenly, I’d hear gunshots and people screaming out so loud, it was deafening. It was most sorrowful and chaotic. There were just too many information to process in my mind that everything got jumbled up. My brain somehow malfunctioned.

I, however, didn’t forget to pray. I was praying with all my might like I was competing for the Gold Medal in the Olympics. I’d not stop praying for even a single second. It was the only day in my life I got so diligent.

I was torn between letting go and not to let go. How could I ever want to let go of a person I cared most in my life? A person who was always there for me, who was more than a best friend.

My world became so silent I could hear my own heartbeat, pumping so hard that if you listen very attentively, you’d hear it too.

Now, I can only wish...

No New Posting

2010-10-12T09:07:00.000-07:00

Having problem uploading photos. Will find the cause of it soon, hopefully!

Stay tuned...

:)

Flamingo By The Beach (Penang)

2010-09-22T20:48:00.000-07:00

Hotel Review by z_l3nG

State: Penang, Malaysia

From KL - Penang: Around 3.5-4 hours' drive

Weather: Sunny and rainy

The Hotel

L-R: Paradise Sandy Beach Resort - Flamingo Hotel

Accommodation: Flamingo Hotel, Tanjung Bungah

Hotel Rating: 4 star

Rate: RM312.80nett / night (inclusive of breakfast, thru' Booking.com)

Type of room: Seaview

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The Lobby

Flamingo hotel in Penang incorporates an open concept to its lobby, which allows natural breeze to circulate the lobby area.

It is not equipped with air-conditioner, only ceiling fans and coolers. So, on a really hot day, you might break a sweat.

Based on my observation, the receptionists (and bellboy) are not very efficient, but rather friendly and helpful.

I guess realising the inefficiency of their staff, Flamingo Hotel decided to furnish the lobby with some nice, comfy sofas for customers to chill out.

The lobby is modest and spacious, but not that impressive.

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The Room

Welcome to room 1128. 11 means the room's on the 11th floor and is facing the sea.

This room has a good-sized space, but not enough for an extra bed.

The bed is merely OK; the sheets are spotless and very clean. But the pillows are not comfortable.

The bed is a big king-sized fit for 3 people. Nothing impressive about the decor, but the room's clean and odourless.

The housekeeping service is pretty good. We made a few requests and they responded almost immediately, without any unfriendly tone.

The bathroom has all the basic necessities, including a hair blower, but it's not very nice and doesn't have a bathtub.

The balcony, where you can stand and watch all the activities at the beach, isn't clean and there's no rubber sandals to wear.

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The Beach

Although this hotel is beachfront, the beach is not owned by Flamingo Hotel, Penang.

I'm quite surprised to discover that this part of the beach is cleaner compared to other beaches in Penang though.

The beach is very accessible from the hotel. Just get down the staircase and your feet will be touching the sand.

Banana boat ride, paragliding and horse riding are among the activities you can do here.

If you're not the adventurous type, you can build sand castles, collect common-looking seashells or read a book on one of the many chairs sitting on the beach.

You can also take a dip in the pool at Flamingo hotel.

Overall experience: Satisfactory, but wouldn't rate it 4-star though.

Among the hotels in Tanjung Bungah district, this is a pretty good hotel to stay! The activities found here will keep you busy you don't need to travel anywhere else. The beach is totally accessible and quite clean.

Setback: Hard to get around Penang if you're not driving and nothing much to do.

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Visit http://www.flamingo.com.my/ for more info.

Contact no. +604-8927 111

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More reviews can be found at http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g660694-d1630632-Reviews-Flamingo_by_the_Beach-Pulau_Penang_Penang.html

(All texts and pics are copyright reserved - z)

Authentic Thai Food @ Tan Jetty, Penang

2010-09-20T06:27:00.000-07:00

Set in a fishing village, overlooking the iconic Penang bridge and the glittering sea, is Lang Sae Lee Thai Food restaurant.

I don't know if 'restaurant' is the right word to use to describe this home-cum-restaurant place, with no more than 10 tables.

This authentic Thai food house nestles at Tan Jetty, Weld Quay.

This is not a fancy restaurant with air-cond and everything nice. This restaurant only has a stand fan to cool you down on a hot day.

But, this is a place where you can indulge home-cooked Thai food in a cosy house compound area, which happens to be above the sea too.

There's no TV to watch, but a panaromic seaview that will certainly be a delight to your eyes.

The path to the restaurant is made of sturdy wooden planks

Allow me to introduce:

Laksa

I believe this is called Laksa. I don't remember the exact name of this aromatic soury and spicy noodle soup.

Don't be deceived by the colour of the curry or soup. It may not look spicy at all, but it's actually very spicy.

The bowl is filled with really smooth rice noodles, cubed cucumbers, sliced pineapples, chillies, chopped onions and shredded fish.

I started off with this bowl of noodles which was full of flavours!

Fried Rice

This plate of fried rice is, unfortunately, just so-so and quite dry.

It has very mild taste, but the ingredients are very fresh.

Not recommended.

Thai Fish Cakes

Thai fish cakes are absolutely yummy!

They're best eaten fresh right out of the wok.

These fish cakes are crunchy and succulent and usually accompanied with sweet chilli sauce and chopped cucumber.

You can taste the difference between the fish cakes served here and at other places - the amount of fish used and the aroma.

Sotong Kerabu

Personally, I prefer chicken skin kerabu (salad) over sotong kerabu because of its crunchiness.

However, this sotong kerabu is almost as good. This dish is really appetising and pungent!

There are more dishes on the menu and I'm trying its Tomyum soup on my next visit! Yum-yum!

The prices are fairly reasonable.

Lang Sae Lee Thai Food

97A, Tan Jetty Weld Quay, 10300 Penang

Contact: 014-907 1808 (Mdm. Lee)

Opening Hours: 10am-9pm (Closed on Tuesday)

Fresh Seafood @ Teluk Kumbar, Penang

2010-09-14T10:49:00.000-07:00

What better place to enjoy fresh, delicious seafood while watching the sun sets than at a beachside restaurant in Teluk Kumbar, Penang Island?

Even before the clock struck 7pm, seafood lovers were already in the mid of having their scrumptiously fresh food served on their platters.

It was almost full house!

On the Menu:

Here's what we ordered

sweet & sour pork ribs for the kids

steamed prawns to retain freshness and sweetness

Teochew steamed fish with pickled vege (tender meat and tasty soury soup)

sweet & sour crab (fleshy and fresh, nice if served with mantou (steamed buns))

mussels soup (very rich in herbal flavours and healthy)

Side Order

Chicken Satay without sauce, just as yummy!

Here's a place to get great food at good prices!

Most importantly, you don't have to wait for an hour for your food. The cooks and staff are really efficient.

You'll be smiling all the way....Enjoy!

After dinner, take a relaxing walk at the beach. That's what I call a Great Meal.

Add: 84 Mk 9, Teluk Kumbar 11920 Penang

Contact: 04 - 6491 403

Open everyday, except Tuesday

Penang's Best Apom Balik

2010-09-13T07:34:00.000-07:00

What's Apom Balik? It's Malaysia's very own traditional Pancake.

Wonder how good it tastes?

The one stall next to SJK (C) Union, Penang on Jalan Burma....

Well, picture this: Customers are willing to wait for an hour for 10 pieces of Apom Balik, only 10 small pieces.

There was once a customer who put an order of 200 pieces of Apom Balik and other customers were willing to wait for their turns. *Jaws drop*

This old man, the Apom Balik maker, can produce 9 pieces in 4 minutes. So let's say I order 20 pieces, it'd take only 9 minutes right?

As far as my memory can recall, only one in 6 times we were able to walk away with a bunch of Apom Balik in less than 5 mins. Longest? More than an hour.

But it's just too frustrating to walk away empty-handed 'cos this uncle's Apom Baliks are simply irresistible!

I manage to capture the apom balik-making process.

Here's some of the pics:

The Apom Balik is so soft, it melts in your mouth and you can totally taste the freshness of the banana slices.

Because he doesn't fill it with too many ingredients, you'll find it very pleasant to munch.

And, and it's not very sweet!

It's so good you can have 20 pieces in a Go!

Price: RM0.30/ piece

Setback: Its location. It's difficult to get a proper parking spot there, but you can always place your car in front of SJK (C) Union...with someone waiting in the car, of course.

Bangkok '07

2010-09-07T08:50:00.000-07:00

Wah-Wee. It's been so long since I visited Bangkok-Chiangmai and I'd really love going back there.

Here are some of the photos taken while on the trip in 2007.

Bangkok is just absolutely lovely! It's a lively, vibrant city that will keep you moving; grooving.

Tuk-tuk, oh, you're gonna love travelling on one of these charmingly noisy babies.

They're the kings of the roads.

Beautiful temples with intricate carvings can be easily found in Bangkok.

I can't recollect much from my memory bank of my Bangkok trip, but it was certainly one of the most memorable ones.

I backpacked with my lovely travel partner, my cousie; and we were quite a team.

I particularly like the train ride experience from Bangkok to ChiangMai (throughout the night).

It was simply AMAZING.

No wonder its tagline is 'Amazing Thailand.'