i am illustrated

Qiaokeli likes playing games

noreply@blogger.com (Ru) — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 06:35:00 +0000

Photo journal: A weekend in Huairou, Beijing

noreply@blogger.com (Ru) — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 08:41:00 +0000

Note: This post is image heavy. :)

JD, Qiaokeli and I went for a weekend getaway in Huairou (怀柔). We've been there once before on our own. JD thought it would be a nice place for his team from work to unwind and have a little fun together. So on Saturday morning, we (10 in total) drove 1.5 hours out of the city to Huairou Qu. Huairou is a popular getaway destination for locals. Its clear skies and fresh mountain air is just the treat everyone needs from Beijing's polluted city center.

We arrived in time for lunch. The above pic shows lunch from Qiaokeli's point of view. ;) Here you can have a rustic northern Chinese home style meal that's no fuss and extremely satisfying. Portions are huge, ingredients are freshly picked (or slaughtered) from nearby farms and prices are incredibly low. Our meals for 10 people came up to about RMB450 (approx. RM230).

The specialty in Huairou is trout. It is served grilled, steamed or sashimi style. We ordered grilled rainbow trout and golden trout sashimi. Yes, Qiaokeli did have some trout as well. I told JD not to have too much sashimi (actually, I told him not to touch the stuff). I'm nervous about freshwater fish sashimi, but every table at the restaurant ordered trout sashimi!

Each tourist establishment in Huairou has its own trout pond and you can fish for your own dinner if you like. I'm not so sure how clean these ponds are kept, so if you do come here, I'd recommend ordering cooked trout. Unless you'd like to take a gamble, JD says its delicious.

After lunch, we went hiking. But no one in the group knew exactly what this place was actually. No one knew we were in for some hiking in the mountains.

There were some nice scenic spots during the hike. I enjoyed myself and wished we had more time for the full trail. No leeches! I wish hiking in Malaysia could be as leech free as this. But it was getting dark and cold and some began complaining about being tired, so we raced through it.

I woke up early the next day for a little exploring on my own with Qiaokeli. The above photo shows the view from our hillside chalet. It is too small to see in the photograph, but lining the hill tops across from the chalet are remnants of The Greatwall.

The kitchen hands at our inn stocking up on fresh produce for the day. Oh, another thing in Huairou I'm told is a must have are their organic eggs.

Lot's of bugs and creepy crawlies here. JD is not too excited about that. I'm fine with them, as long as they're not leeches.

What a brightly coloured caterpillar! It looks poisonous. Being the city person that I am, I initially thought it was a broken piece from a child's toy when I saw it on the ground. Seesh, I should get out more.

Finally, JD got up and came down to join Qiaokeli and I. One thing about traveling in a large group, you have to wait for everybody else to get ready and going.

While waiting, we found out that Qiaokeli likes sitting on the swing.

Just 2 minutes and she's out like a light.

We just love her so much. ^_^

Yay! Everyone's here. Time for some breakfast - man tou, cornmeal porridge, salted duck eggs, fried tofu, fried eggs and tea. I've never had cornmeal porridge before. I like it. You can add sugar or honey to the porridge but I like salty things, so I had salted eggs with mine. JD and guys had beers with their breakfast... only in China.

And then it was time for lunch. Well, we played a little cards after breakfast, had more beers, and then decided we were hungry again. After lunch, we packed up and began our drive back to the city.

Bak Kut Teh in Beijing

noreply@blogger.com (Ru) — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 05:45:00 +0000

Great weather this weekend! After days of smog, clear blue skies are certainly a welcomed sight. It's bright, sunny, and the breeze feels cool on my skin. Are the hottest days of summer finally drawing to a close? I hope so.

JD had cravings for an authentic Malaysian breakfast and I had a hangover from last night (just two drinks). Even the thought of making half-boiled eggs felt like a challenge. Since it is such a nice day, we decided to go out.

I jumped online (okay, I guess I wasn't that hungover, just lazy) and searched for places where we could go for 'Malaysian' fair in Beijing. I found The Bak Kut Teh Specialist which is within walking distance from our apartment.

Being sort of vegetarian, I've never really had bak kut teh. I've tried the broth and the vegetarian versions, but never acquired the taste for it. I suppose I don't know what I'm missing. So, according to JD, the bak kut teh here isn't quite like home, but it is tasty. He thought it was strange that they served the extra ingredients, like mushrooms, lettuce, and tofu on the side, not in the stew. But that's okay, saved me the time of having to pick them out. ^_^ They also served a dip of thick soy sauce with minced garlic and chillies which I'm told is a must for bak kut teh. JD looked like he thoroughly enjoyed it, so I'm glad.

Good thing we arrived early because by noon, the place was hopping! I was surprised to see so many locals as Malaysian food isn't really a favourite in these parts. I bet if someone brought a franchise from Klang to Beijing, it would be a success. The Chinese love their pork, y'know.

The Bak Kut Teh Specialist (美味肉骨茶)
Fulicheng, Xingguang Dadao Shang Shop No. 7-6,
CBD/Guomao
富力城星光大道商7-6号店铺
Tel: 134-0114-7715

noreply@blogger.com (Ru) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 03:36:00 +0000

Have I said this before? That I'm not a very good blogger? Well, I can blog when I want to (e.g k-popped.com), but just not about myself. So I'll post some pics. :)

I like squishing Qiaokeli's face. The Pug breed probably evolved those wrinkles from generations of Pug owners squishing their faces like so.

This is Tuo Tuo, the new dog in the neighbourhood. I think he's a teacup Pomeranian, or maybe a cross of two teacup breeds. He is very tiny and likes to hump Qiaokeli's leg. I suppose he doesn't intend to hump her leg, he's just so little that he can't reach.

It's good to be back.

noreply@blogger.com (Ru) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 04:33:00 +0000

GOSH. It feels good to blog again! I'd like to thank the gee... I mean... computer whizzes who program loopholes for us sorry netizens who find themselves tangled in useless firewalls set up by those who think they know but know not! HAH!

Now that I'm free... I don't know what to do first...

Feels like the 90s

noreply@blogger.com (Ru) — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 07:39:00 +0000

I've been firewalled from Flickr, Youtube, Blogger, some news sites I frequent AND Twitter! *cries* Oh shucks, I guess it's not that bad. We didn't have any of these things back in the 90s anyway.

I haven't been able to blog because of a massive block The Great Firewall of China has cast upon the internet. I had to enlist help from back home to set up the e-mail blogging service offered by Blogger, hence I am able to post this.

I think the block has to do with the events that occurred in Tian An Men on June 4th. I hope they free up some sites after June.

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DJ Becareful

noreply@blogger.com (Ru) — Fri, 15 May 2009 04:52:00 +0000

I didn't know Hong Kong actor, Sam Lee, is also a DJ! These Hong Kong stars, they do everything!

Two Saturdays ago JD went to Vic's, a club by GongTi, to have a farewell shindig for a client. He asked me to tag along because Sam Lee would be spinning that night. I don't really follow the Hong Kong entertainment scene like JD does. What I know, I hear from him, and as I've seen some of Sam Lee's films before, of course I'd like to see a star up close!

I was really exhausted, having went climbing that morning, so I didn't make much effort to push through the fans to get a proper pic of Sam. This shot was all I got.

When he spins, he is known as DJ Becareful. Maybe it sounds cooler in Cantonese?

DJ Xiu Sum Ti... erm... no.

His beats did not move me and sounded rather tame. I did notice two girls flailing their arms and bums wildly on a table top. Maybe I was too tired. Or maybe I've become old and boring at 26.

Rock climbing

noreply@blogger.com (Ru) — Fri, 15 May 2009 03:46:00 +0000

I feel my blogging momentum waning, so I'll ramble about what I did two weekends ago.

JD and I recently started rock climbing. If you're in Beijing and you'd like to try rock climbing, head over to Ritan park (日坛公园). They have a small, but very nice, outdoor climbing facility shrouded in trees. It costs RMB50 (including rented equipment - harness & shoes) for the whole day, RM25 if you buy a card for 10 climbs. Enter from the North gate of the park and take the path going South-eastward (to your left).

Me on the left, JD towards the top on the right. I'm convinced the guy below-right is part monkey. I watched him climb everything with complete ease!

I tried climbing when I was in college, but not having a partner to climb with isn't very fun, so it died a natural death. Now that I'm married, and as I feel a life-partner should be supportive my interests and vice-versa, I figured we could give it a go. ;p

It's really a great sport and an excellent way to keep fit. It keeps you agile, works all your muscles, has a the right amount of edge to keep it interesting and most importantly, it forces you to maintain a calm and focused mind. Many beginners are only interested in rushing to the top; however, after chatting with the veterans who climb at Ritan, it isn't only about that.

JD has taken to climbing, and I'm glad. Beats the gym, I say. I can't stand the gym - the stale air and the monotonous workout routines. JD's company gives him free membership to a gym by his office. I'm guessing he doesn't quite like going there because, unlike conservative Malaysia, everyone lets it hang loose in the locker rooms. There's a high chance of running into colleagues or, heaven forbid, his boss in there.

All better

noreply@blogger.com (Ru) — Mon, 11 May 2009 07:02:00 +0000

Qiaokeli is all better. So much for a month, it took about 4 days for her eye heal. I'm so glad... I don't have to put those blasted drops in her eye anymore. We were having wrestling matches on the couch every two hours. Believe me, it wasn't as fun as it sounds. I guess injuries heal faster when you're young. *phew*

We got her a Kong toy during the weekend. I've been ignoring this toy because it's kind of expensive at RMB100 (RM50) for a small one. But since Qiaokeli has punctured 2 squeaky toys, de-stuffed 4 stuffed animals and chewed apart countless tennis balls, I decided to get her the Kong. The thing looks virtually indestructible and as you can stuff tasty treats in it, it's her new favourite toy (and the only toy left). Let's see how long this thing will last. ;)

Just... leave me alone.

noreply@blogger.com (Ru) — Tue, 05 May 2009 04:30:00 +0000

Oh boy... May is just not her month. With one injured eye and today being the first day of her estrus cycle, she's one moody little Pug.

The Hungry Horse

noreply@blogger.com (Ru) — Mon, 04 May 2009 16:31:00 +0000

I've started a new blog with my half-sister and we're blogging about food! Well, not just any kind of food, vegetarian food. Yes, we've decided to start documenting our own recipes and recipes we've found and tried. It's also a place where I can educate myself about food pornography. ;)

Without further ado... go check it out!

Take me to The Hungry Horse.

Qiaokeli hurt her eye

noreply@blogger.com (Ru) — Mon, 04 May 2009 08:56:00 +0000

She ran straight for the ball as I threw it and it flew right into her eye. We play fetch everyday but today was just unbelievably bad luck.

Pugs are prone to many types of eye injuries because of their flat faces and big bulging eyes. I was very concerned. We went to the vet and sure enough, there is a large corneal abrasion in the center of her right eyeball. She was prescribed eye drops and some ointment to be applied SEVEN times a day until it heals (about a month). Qiaokeli is not cooperative when it comes to eye drops. *sigh*

The poor girl has to wear the Elizabethan collar until her eye heals. She was absolutely miserable, so against doctor's orders, I took it out. I know, I know... but I figured as I'm home all day and she follows me wherever I go, I can catch her if she tries to rub her eye. She can wear the collar when I'm not at home.

Added 7:42pm

On second thought, I don't think it's a good idea leaving that collar on her while she's home alone? She could really get into some mischief. Hmm...

Planting Cherry Tomatoes: Day 30

noreply@blogger.com (Ru) — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 10:00:00 +0000

The tomato seedlings have outgrown their makeshift sprouting bed (an egg carton). Out of the 15 seedlings, I selected 3 and replanted them together in a bigger pot. The pot really only has room for 2 (or 1 pushy plant), but I figure I'd have them battle it out.

The rest are still sitting in that egg carton. This may sound stupid and sentimental to some, but I don't have the heart to throw them out. JD says I should give them a chance to live and plant them outside. I don't know how I feel about sneaking around the apartment complex digging holes for seedlings I shouldn't be planting. Maybe he can do it.

This is Qiaokeli's favorite sunning spot. She likes to hang out here while I'm in the room. I had to move my Boston Fern, whose fronds drape over partially covering that hideous Ikea shoe rack, to make room for the tomato pot. I think I'll paint the rack white.

Tian An Men at dusk

noreply@blogger.com (Ru) — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 10:24:00 +0000

I should go out and shoot more often. Beijing is a city with so much visual stimuli to offer. That's the thing about living in a place, you stop noticing things and you stop looking. It's great when I go back to Kuala Lumpur for the holidays because I'm looking at home with a fresh pair of eyes.

Yesterday was a gorgeous day. I took the train and joined the Friday rush hour into the city. I arrived at Tian An Men square just in time for the flag lowering ceremony at 7pm. It was a very windy day and with the plaza being so open and flat, there was nothing to break the persistent gusts of wind. I was having a hard time keeping my flimsy tripod steady as it kept threatening to tip over.

I'm glad I was able to get some clear shots as it got darker. Looking forward to my next visit!

Sweet Paul

noreply@blogger.com (Ru) — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 15:58:00 +0000

I've found a new blog to stalk. Sweet Paul is a blog by Paul Lowe, a food and interior stylist from Norway who makes his living in New York. I love how his work resembles quiet Dutch paintings. Of course, much credit goes to his photographers as well. Besides lovely photographs, his blog shares recipes and creative craft projects that inspire.

Images taken from Sweet Paul.

I have succesfully concocted vomit.

noreply@blogger.com (Ru) — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 14:37:00 +0000

DO NOT make a smoothie out of:

strawberries
pink grapefruit
fresh plain yoghurt
protein powder

Sounds like perfectly fine ingredients for a healthy, pick-me-up smoothie, yes? Well, they are NOT! I can't stress how much the thing came out tasting like vomit - a tinge of bitterness, a sourish aftertaste, acid on your teeth, the works. Please, I'm not trying to be a drama queen. I'm upset because I'm pretty adept in the kitchen.

I have to say this though, making this smoothie made me realise what a catch I made when I married my husband - he gulped the vile liquid down without even wincing. I took a sip and nearly hurled my breakfast across the dining table. When I asked him why didn't he say anything, he said, "You made it, I thought it was healthy." Aww, how trusting.

Comic #14: A comic about domestic quarrels.

noreply@blogger.com (Ru) — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 09:16:00 +0000

Click image to enlarge.

Planting fever

noreply@blogger.com (Ru) — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 08:09:00 +0000

The temperature indoors has finally risen to 20ºC after the heat was turned off at the beginning of March. You know what this means (besides being able to wear shorts in the apartment, woo hoo!), it's planting time!

I've had a lot of luck with plants in this apartment thanks to many sunny windows. I guess the feng shui in here is good!

My cherry tomato seeds have finally sprouted after 2 weeks (it takes my mum only 3 days for her seeds to sprout in Malaysia's warm climate). As soon as they've grown four leaves, I'll be transferring the stronger seedlings to a larger pot. Sigh, they all look so cute, I wish I could plant all of them but I only have room for 2 plants.

Well, I'm taking advantage of Beijing's dry and cool climate to plant herbs, something that would be very challenging to do in hot and sticky Kuala Lumpur. I brought home some herbs from the plant nursery today. I've replanted them and they're sitting on my bedroom windowsill. I look forward to waking up tomorrow morning to the gentle aromas of rosemary and thyme!

I bought a packet of strawberry seeds as well. Haha, yea, maybe I'm pushing it. I'll let you know how that turns out.

Comic #13: A comic about eye injuries.

noreply@blogger.com (Ru) — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 15:29:00 +0000

Click image to enlarge

It's spring! It's spring!

noreply@blogger.com (Ru) — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 08:38:00 +0000

These are just a few of the flowers blooming around the apartment compound. Enjoy!

The budding guitarist

noreply@blogger.com (Ru) — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 11:07:00 +0000

Finally, my first guitar and for only RMB300 (RM150). I can't believe they come that cheap. Well, to my amateur ears, I suppose it sounds OK.

Apart from learning how to bake bread, I'm trying to self-learn the guitar too. Yes, I must be going through some pre-mid-life crisis. I'm just this close to consider getting a Ducati. If it ever comes to that, JD begs me to settle for a scooter. Not quite the same thing, but oh well.

It has been about 3 months since I bought the guitar and I've been working hard on building those callouses on the fingers of my left hand. The first week was absolute agony. My fingertips were red and raw and so swollen that they looked like little sunburned bald heads... so anyways... it doesn't hurt as much anymore. Just a little bit.

Here's a list of songs that I'm learning and trying to perfect. It's best I list them down somewhere so I can keep track as I'm hopeless at writing things down. Damn computers.

Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd
You Were Meant For Me by Jewel
Boulevard of Broken Dreams by Green Day
Jumper by Third Eye Blind
How's It Going To Be by Third Eye Blind
Collide by Howie Day

The house smells like freshly baked goodness

noreply@blogger.com (Ru) — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 10:06:00 +0000

I'm such a bad blogger. I go on blog update streaks and then suddenly, I completely forget I have a blog.

Well, this is what I did today:

I baked Italian bread rolls. ^_^ I love crusty breads... a love that my other half does not share. Well, too bad JD, there are 10 more rolls waiting for you when you get back tonight! Har har!

I used the recipe from A Year in Bread, and because olives are rather pricey here, I left them out and added some olive oil and dry italian herbs instead.

I'm adamant about teaching myself how to make good bread. Boy, is it time consuming and such a labour of love. I'm always paranoid about wasting all that flour if my bread failed. And you know, good quality flour here in Asia can be quite expensive.

So imagine my delight when these came out great! Qiaokeli seemed to think so as well as she gobbled her piece and came back begging for more. But then again, she ate a plastic sweet wrapper this morning when I walked her.

My other adventures in bread baking:

Bread, but not quite.

Happy Birthday!

noreply@blogger.com (Ru) — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 04:09:00 +0000

Yesterday was Qiaokeli's 1st birthday! I bet she had no idea what was going on except that there were extra treats. "Silly humans."

Qiaokeli: age 3 months

noreply@blogger.com (Ru) — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 05:04:00 +0000

Qiaokeli will be turning one next month! Feeling nostalgic, I went looking for pictures of her when she was still a lil' pup. Oh, they grow up so fast. *sniffle* Next thing I know, she'll be listening to bad music and bringing home boyfriends. ;p

Back from the holidays.

noreply@blogger.com (Ru) — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 08:28:00 +0000

I'm back in Beijing after a 2 week break at home in Malaysia to celebrate Chinese New Year with the family.

The first thing I did after plonking my luggage at my mum's was to head out and snag myself a 50mm prime lens for my camera. I am certain that this little beauty, which only set me back RM300, is probably the best purchase I will make this year. The holidays were fun and we planned a 3 day family getaway in Cameron Highlands which I thoroughly enjoyed with my new lens. :)

After the hustle and bustle of visiting friends and family and New Year's feasting, it's good to be back in the quiet of my home.

Happy New Year to all!