Genius is someone who has IQ more than 180 and up or as many called it profoundly gifted. Not many people in this world can be labeled as genius and so far, I know Albert Einstein and Leonardo Da Vinci are the famous few.

With gifted ability, Bob seems like manage to figure everything out. Life become dull to him as he has nothing to look forward and no problem is challenging enough to excite him. He started to become arrogant and continue to ace every exam that possibly human can think of.

If the exam takes 2 hours, he only takes 10 minutes to complete with perfect score. Knowing this, a teacher suggests Bob to take an exam called Time Management. If he aced it this time, he will be exempted for any kind of test in future.

Bob is very excited. Not because he knows he can do well again but he loves the challenging sensation and the take of not needing to undergo the boring exam ever again. So, he agrees to sit in for the exam.

Like usual Bob get all the answers correct but he still flung the exam. He was really surprise and approaches the teacher curiously. The teacher commended that he is the first student who get all the answer correct but the test is not just about getting the answer right.

The teacher explained, “Bob, you fail because your handwriting turns from good to bad in the exam.” Bob surprise questioned, “But, you can still read it. That is why I got all the exam answer right!”

The teacher patiently responded, “Bob, you still didn’t get it don’t you? This test is all about time management. The gradual changes in handwriting from good to bad are the best evidence of poor time management.”

Lesson learnt: Not a single person in this world is perfect. Be thankful for what you have but always continue to learn new things to keep your brain active.

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Yuyuan Garden is a famous classical garden in Shanghai. Although the existence of this garden is about 400 years now and undergoes multiple reconstructions, this place still remains as a famous tourist spot in Shanghai.

Sometime I felt amaze on the architecture of ancient times. It seems like they really spend a lot of time building, reconstructing, refurbishing and try to preserve the crisp of the culture. Technically, we should embrace our history but the remains turn out to be so good for photography.

Maybe I sound a bit melodramatic but as a newbie in the world of camera, ancient buildings turn me on. This is just one of the many buildings in this garden. If you have good stamina, you can walk the 20 000 square meters park, within a day. I am fit (or I wanted to believe that), so, no problem for me.

There are 6 main scenic areas that you must visit: Sansui Hall, Wanhua Chamber, Dianchun Hall, Huijing Hall, Yuhua Hall and Inner Garden. I went there twice and I don’t think I ever visited those places or maybe I did but forget the names.

To me, the main attraction is not those scenic spots. I have discovered Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant, the most famous and authentic siu long pau. Now, I also discovered the best dumplings in Shanghai called Ning Bo Dumplings (don’t know where they get the name from).

This restaurant is usually congested and probably you need to spend some time queuing to get seated and queuing to order and pay the bills. Maybe this place is the most affordable as compare to others? To me, crowded means good.. hehe..

As you might notice, they do serve big pau and some other dim sum too but the highlight is definitely the rice ball dumplings. Instead of ordering one, the long queue makes me order additional bowl. The sesame and crab roe dumplings.

In Singapore Chinatown, you can get this with almond or just plain sugar water soup. Over here, they only serve with plain water as the soup. In that case, the soup is like drinking hot water. On the other hand, the dumplings taste very nice and the texture is just perfect.

Two bowls are definitely not enough for me especially on good food. As soon as you walk out from the restaurant, you will notice that they also sell take away dumplings. I did not get it but I think it is a good deal. According to the lady, it can last about 3 weeks without fridge.

I am not leaving that place empty handed. I bought myself herbal bean curds with pigeon eggs. No, it is not stinky bean curd. This also taste good except a little spicy. Gosh, you should try to drink the soup too. Now, my floor is wet coz I can’t stop drooling when I write about this.

Ning Bo Dumplings

Yuyuan Garden, Shanghai

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In conjunction with Dragon Year, I feel a bit uncomfortable if did not blog anything about this celestial or maybe mystical creature but I am not an animal lover as well. The only two creatures that I keep as pets are house rodentS and cockroachES in my store room.

If you know me well, I will travel thousand miles to relate myself with this creature. Well, not a suicidal mission but to see if I can get hold of the Dragon Ball. I attempted to locate dragon ball on top of the roof in imperial hall (Forbidden City) but I only found ball instead with no dragon?

This time I am quite lucky in Yuyuan Garden, Shanghai. Ohh I didn’t say I found the dragon ball but I reunite with favorite small dragon pau (小龙包). No balls, pau also ok laa..Eh this task is not so easy to achieve, k? You have to literally queue up almost an hour to get seated.

Then you have to make the toughest decision to choose between the cheaper or the expensive sections under the roof. The difference is, the expensive one has more variety to choose from and obviously queue is longer on the other side.

Their history go all the way back to 1900 when Nanxiang is called Changxinglou (Giraffe? ) but the restaurant is no antique. The ambience is well lighted with electric light and not candles, with aircond and not paper fan.

Ohh and the menu did not make from bamboo. It is printed on colorful menu with pictorial dishes photos. IF you are Chinese and don’t read Chinese, you can still order as the menu is in English BUT you will be labeled as banana in TikkoSS’s terms. Hehe..

Most of the food will be served in within few minutes. Some fried dim sum will take slightly longer. The service is quite efficient except sometimes, they speak no so fluent English but hey, you are in China. IT is good enough if they serve you what you want..

I ordered big siu long pau … er.. I think as I just pointed at the menu. Oh yea, I don’t read Chinese too! Hehe. Nothing to be embarrass about right? I still get some delicious dim sum which I don’t know what its name and also another deep fried balls which I also don’t know the name

Even with limited ability to communicate, I still manage to order the highlight of this restaurant, the siu long pau. As much as I always thought there is only one type of siu long pau but they actually serve variety of it and some with crab roe too.

Although I pay RMB 143 (~RM74), I get to try the most original and authentic siu long pau from Shanghai. No regrets tho. I get food and I get to write post about something related to dragon in Dragon Year. Hahahaa…

Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant

Inside Yuyuan Garden, Shanghai.

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Cricket is a bat and ball game. Not the Batman bat but it is club bat bat.  Cricket can be traced back to Tudor times in early 16^th century England. Oh yea it has a very long history, long before you and me.

The game is widely play in England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, South Africa and many parts of the world. People talk about it like people talk about football.

Sometimes, people challenge each on cricket game to show the sign of sportsmanship, teamwork and checking who the best is!

When comes to check who the best is, Chinese always want to be part of the major society. So, they crashed into world community and wanting to challenge on cricket. They thought they are the best and have been playing with it since ancient Chinese dynasty era.

On the duel day, everyone come with their gears, bats, uniforms and ready to roll except Chinese. You wouldn’t believe that Chinese did not come with their sport gears but they bring a tumbler instead. Everyone is puzzled and the ambience turned into pin drop silence.

While everyone thought they are referring cricket as bat and ball game, Chinese thought it is a cricket (insects that produce chirping sound) fight..

Lesson Learnt: Get your facts right before challenging anyone!

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Maid is a female employed domestic service. Duh.. who don’t know about this, right? But have you ever wonder why only female and not male? I’m not trying to be sexist here but really, have you ever wonder why? They look kind of cute in maid costume as well, don’t you think?

Ok, forget about cross dress because that is not the answer. OK, there are indeed male maid as well but it is called valet, man servant, housekeeper or houseman. LOL. I know you will say I am tricking you in English but hey, I am trying to improve your vocab here.

In a decade time, you no longer called maid as maid or valet as valet. At that time, people will only know about iRobot or some automated cleaners to do most of the house chores. I know many will ask, is this the latest invention of Apple? I have iPhone and iPad here..  but.. the answer is NO.

Please don’t relate every single word that started with “i” to Apple. iRobot here is a vacuum cleaning robot and not some mobile device. It cannot do Facetime or iMessage or any Apps functionality BUT you can use the remote to control it OR Virtual Wall Lighthouse to restrict the movement.

Like nothing uncommon, there are also a lot of Chinese imitated products which claimed to be the same like Roomba but I can roughly pointed out some differences. You can set multiple timers on various days in a week, it is self adjusting between floor types and got 3 stages cleaning system.

With the combination between spinning side brush, counter rotating brushes and powerful vacuum, Roomba can easily clean your whole house even on unreachable places such as under the sofa and bed. Don’t worry if it will fall on stairs because it is equipped with cliff detection sensors.

When you are tired, you do know where to find your bolster and bed. Roomba will also find its own docking station when the battery is exhausted. It is like, once you put it on, you can forget about it. Eh.. that is not really true to certain extend.

You might need to clean the dust trap, filters and brushes once in awhile. Maybe once every two weeks? This robot cost about RM 2400 when I first bought it two years ago. If you do your math right, that is almost two months of human maid.

Sometime human maid gives you human problems but with iRobot Roomba, you are problem free!

iRobot – Roomba

WEB: http://www.irobot.com

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What do you do when you see someone collapse in front of you? If pretty girls, I bet the first thing that come to your mind is CPR. If you are not a biology student, you might think CPR is kissing the helpless one but it is actually Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation.

I am not here to give you some medical lesson here but telling you how important to have a basic knowledge of first aid. Not everyone can be first aider. First you need to not afraid of blood, disgusting scary wound, fracture bones etc.

Of course that are pre-requisites, then you have to enroll yourself in First Aider Course to train and qualify yourself. Now, you are certified. Is that it? NO, not really.. You need another gear, the first aid box.

This is the part where I really want you to know how important it is to have one.  Many asked what I brought with me when I go on vacation and why is it overweight sometime. Oh yea, I bring my life support with me all the time. I’m not paranoid but it is cheaper this way than seeing a doc.

By the way, I am a certified first aider. If you travel with me, you should feel slightly safer. I am not only knowing Paracetamol or Aspirin but I know a whole list of medic gadgets and using them in right manner. Does is sounds cool if I told you what to do with hypo-allergenic tape or octenisept spray?

Ok.. I am not trying to show off what I know but to let you know there is this list acts as a guide to re-order the expire medication or bandages. So, you don’t need to get the whole brand new first aid kit but only replace the one that is run out.

Let me be honest, you don’t need to be first aider to use the first aid kit. That is just to resonate your brain to learn more new things. World will be a better place is many of us are first aider, don’t you think? You can be my vacation partner if you are first aider for sure.

The first aid kit comes with the first aid guidance and quick step by step to equip you with sufficient knowledge in the event of emergency. At least sufficient until you call 911 for help or 112 on your cell phone but I really hope you don’t need to use this kit at all!

ISOS First Aid Kit

Web: www.internationalsos.com

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Did you know that the production of Finding Nemo lead to the reduction of real life aquariums? As much as we consider ourselves as creatures with higher intelligence, we are meant to protect the weaker one, right? At least that is what the textbook of Animal Right says.

I am not much of a diver, so in a way, I am physically challenge to intrude wild marine habitats which already supplementing my part as the “intelligent” one to protect the stupider species. Also, be thankful that I am not one of the seafood-eater type oh yea..that helps too !

Instead of invading their home, I decided to pay RMB 160 (~RM80) to say hi to them. Yes, you can do that in Shanghai Ocean Aquarium, situated not far from Oriental Pearl Tower. The opening time is from 9 to 5 but try to schedule your visit during the feeding time.

Some say a hungry man is an angry man. Same applies to animals and fishes, I guess. So, buckle up and get to see them in real actions. Don’t expect too much as you don’t get to feed them literally. All you get is to watch some professional divers do that. Kids, don’t try this at home!

Once you have entered the entrance, you are greeted with ancient fossils which have nothing to resemble an aquarium. Not only that, you get to see real Beijing Duck, as in the “breathing” version as well. I felt as if the quacking sounds signify the word welcome in duck language.

I find it a little odd as there is a crocodile in salt water aquarium? If you have limited knowledge in animal kingdom, crocodile is a fresh water creature. My adrenalin rush gives me a great gut to ask a stranger if it is real but it turns out to be just a sculpture.

Guess what, there are also some other weird marine species there too!

That includes jelly fish. Personally, I am not fancy with brainless fish and I bet Dory will agree with me as well but modernize lightings make the transparent creatures more attractive. This is the time I bring out my big bulky camera to snap few photos in low light condition.

Marvelous isn’t it? Have you hear about Lion fish? It is a cute deepwater fish with venomous spikes. Amazing isn’t it? Sometimes, I really enjoy seeing the miracle in this world that makes me wonder, I really don’t know anything, do I?

I hope before I see the tunnel of light I get to see more. Eh..wait a minute, there is also another tunnel of light over here and it is underwater! Please don’t ask me what are those fishes name because I seriously have no clue.

What I do know is I did enjoy to the max when I paid a visit to this aquarium. Although I paid high ticket fee, this is really cheaper as compare to go for real diving to see marine life, right? AND I do not need to spend more on water proof camera casing to take great photos Don’t you agree?

Shanghai Ocean Aquarium

No. 1388, Lujiazui Ring Road, Pudong New Area,

200120 Shanghai, China.

Web: http://www.sh-aquarium.com/en/

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What is it all about, looks? Looks will determine everything. You want people to judge you by your character, what you feel inside, people don’t care. What they care about is your look. If you have good look, you are going to have a good life but if you look bad, you better work on it.

The uglier you are, the smarter you better be. For every 10 pounds that you are overweight you better pick up a book or you better get two books and get a computer wire at it. I was at the nick game. When I look at the seat, the higher the seat got the ugly the people got. I don’t need ticket. I just look at faces. Ohh you gotta go up top!

Ohh..That is just a lame joke that came across my mind when I placed a booking on “ERA Intersection of Time” stage performance. I did not go all the way up, I choose the middle seat instead because I am neither ugly nor pretty.

What exactly is this? This is the Shanghai version of Cookin’ Nanta – Korean Best No. 1 Performance      and MISO – Original Korean Musical. I would like to call it a circus because it was held in Shanghai Circus World, but really, this is a combination of modern + traditional musical show with some extreme and impressive live actions.

I spent about 30 minutes to get there (included some “lost” time) and when I reached, the place was already congested with people. It is quite easy to locate as the venue is approximately 5 min walk from the subway station and you will not miss the big giant porcupine building.

Ohh, it is not as simple as you go there and get the ticket. You need to pre-book your ticket and collect it a day before the showing time. I can tell you it is a hassle considering the ticket collection counter is not at the same place. I made it, which shows that how determine I am to watch this show.

 I have experienced real time circus, musical show, stage comedy, extreme games etc. Believe it or not if I tell you, this is the combination of all that. All the stage performers are multi talented that for sure will keep you occupied for about 1.5 hours.

At first I thought this is just another stage performance but when I was there, I know I made a right choice. IT started slowly with soft music and some acrobatic acts, then gradually shift to musical, comedy, some impressive hanging stunts and last but not least the SPACE SCOOTERS (8 motorcycles in the big giant steel globe)

Many might ask me what exactly happen in there.. but hey, sorry, I cannot tell you more details than that. You have to go and try it yourself. The performance shows nothing is impossible and I am quite amaze with all the stunts that they put up.

Imagine 5 girls fit in small vase.. that is just a slice of fascinating things happen in there. Ohh if you want to know more, maybe you can ask Mr. Tom Cruise because he watched this show before too!

All I can say is.. WOW … I can still recalled the thrilling moment even after the shows end. The seat cost me about RMB 380 (~RM 190) and honestly, it is worth watching because for a second, I felt my heart was stop pumping.

ERA Intersection of Time

Shanghai Circus World

HOTLINE: +86 21 6652 5468

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WEB: http://era-shanghai.com/

Ticket Price: USD 16, 34, 51, 68, 102

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An apple a day, keeps the doctor away . I believe that phrase is still valid until today except if the doctor is in super hot uniform. Did you know a cup of coffee a day will also keeps the doctor away?

Recent studies show that coffee drinking can protect your liver especially liver disease caused by alcohol damage. Oh yea, alcohol is evil this case. I don’t consume alcohol, not because I am liver friendly but because it is against my religion. Er..Don’t ask me what is my religion..:P

The downside of it is, the studies also bring some detrimental effects on me. What the study did not conclude is that coffee drinking will make you slightly poorer, potentially lead to diabetes and Starbucks will automatically turn out to be your must visit friend.

Starbucks in Shanghai is no difference than Starbucks elsewhere in the world. The Caramel Frappuccino and black coffee still taste the same despite I am few hundred miles away from home.  Knowing that coffee can protect livers, Starbucks is never cheap.

Many health conscious customers will not just go there for coffee, typically me. Most of the time, I will either put on few calories extra by ordering some dessert such as deliciously tempting cakes, muffins or cookies. Don’t ask me if my pancreases can take it but it makes me feel good.

This time I did not order muffins or cakes but I go for strawberry pastries and strawberry lollipop instead. I can tell you it is not cheap and it is addictive. Believe it or not, the tastes blend in nicely with the coffees I ordered.

Like I said, sometime I do take care of my liver but at the same time, I do sacrifice my pancreases too. (FYI, pancreases produces insulin to control sugar level in your body). Well, it is hard to resist on sweet stuffs right?

To certain extend, I consider Starbucks as my best friend and the time that I spent here is considered as quality dessert time. So, it is not purely for coffee but for pastries, candies, and oh ya for Low Fat Blueberry Yogurt Cup too! I am sure we share the same friend too right?

Starbucks, Shanghai

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WEB: http://www.starbucks.com/

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Cell phone is so common that almost everyone in the world has one.  The convenience of it can almost make you physically and emotionally attached to it at all times, even while you are on vacation, hanging out with friends bla bla bla.

One tip of advice, try to avoid using it while you are in the toilet. It is rude if you talk to someone on the phone while he/she can hears the sound effect of it while you are doing your big business. It becomes really nasty if you accidently dropped the phone in un-flush toilet bowl.

The mess is one thing but try to imagine you are on the other side of the phone?

Maybe this is not a good start especially when I am about to write about Yo.Ba Yogurt Ice-Cream. Don’t get me wrong, I am not trying to relate toilet to ice-cream although both have H2O elements in it.

What I am trying to say is cell phone makes my photo taking possible. You know, sometimes, on this one day that you feel like you do not want to carry your baby with you, u need em? This time, my cell phone saves my day.

When everyone is busy with window shopping, this is the time when I snoop around the mall with my dinky phone to keep me company. Spying around what good on the shelf, snapping photos in a no-photos zone and of course, Angry Bird as my stress relievers once in awhile.

Speaking of stress relievers, Yo.Ba rightfully disengage my cell phone bond with me that never been separated since the day I own it. With multi topping choices, finally, I can forget about my cell phone for a record of 10 mins.

Someone told me, if you take the courage to make the first step, the second, third, fourth and so on will be a lot easier. I am back to defer because as soon as colorful M&Ms, raisins and cold creamy ice-creams are gone, my phone got magnetize back to me again. That shows how strong our bond is.

BUT I discovered a new hypothesis. RMB 24 (RM 12) can help phone addicts to stay away from their addictions for 10mins. M&Ms and raisins are major contributors here.

So, to summarize, with RM 17280 (RM 12 x 10min x 6 x 24hr), you will be free from phone addiction for a day in return. Well, everything come with a price, right?

Yo.Ba Yogurt Ice Cream

Super Brand Mall

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