India (Chennai) - August 2011 印度钦奈之 - 用心看世界

Duration: 28th August 2011 - 2nd September 2011 

It has long been told that everyone should visit India at least once in a lifetime. Unexpectedly, my first business trip this year in August 2011 was to visit India. Other than experiencing my first on-site training for the project, it was as well a trip for me to experience life. 

The Flight 

The day started very early on the morning of 28th August 2011 as my flight to Chennai was at 8.45am thus needed to wake up at 5am+ having to drag my feet out of my room. The Jet Airways this time was rather with a small plane as it took only 4 hours journey to arrive at Chennai. Upon arrival at the KLIA around 7.00am, I was shocked to witness the crowded traffic and people at the airport due to the public holidays we have for that week. The police started giving summons to unattended vehicles parked at the side-ways. During the checking-in process at the terminal, I was being alienated as 99.9% of the passengers were Indians. Even during my initial check-in at the counter, the airport officer tries to recheck with me several times if I am really going to India or am I queuing at the wrong terminal since I am the only Chinese in the queue. =.= 

Arrival at the Madras Airport was with a surprising scene to have a whole crowd of local citizens standing at both the side-ways of the exit. The airport was rather small and empty compared to the other airports since it was partially shuts due to renovation works. It was also a surprise that even checking out from the airport, all baggage needed to be scanned once more. 

The Hotel 

The prearranged pick-up service attendant by the hotel was already waiting at the exit with a placard once I stepped out of the terminal. Upon arriving at the hotel, I was well served by the staffs. The security level of the country was unexpectedly high where every visitor or guest needs to scan each bag before entering the hotel. (Good security or bad safety? Hmmp…) 

The Rain Tree hotel in Chennai costing approximately RM420 (with a 20.15% tax charges) a night was wonderful having the best services and environment in town. Even during my meal in the hotel’s restaurant, the chief chef will approach each of the table personally asking for feedback and improvement. There is a hotel staff that performs magic tricks to kids and youngsters during the meal to keep up the ambiance. You will absolutely enjoy the shower in the hotel as it was excellence. The shampoo and shower gel features the natural and local aromatic scent. Having fireworks scene at the window while lying on the comfortable chair was indeed a wonderful experience since they are celebrating some festive locally on the first night. 

They have a wonderful open-air bar at the rooftop with a pool and panoramic view of the city. Looking at the night view of Chennai with music and some beers in hand was indeed fantastic!

The 3 Stupid Stages of Life

Teen Age:
Have Time + Energy......but No Money

Working Age:
Have Money + Energy......but No Time 

Old Age:
Have Time + Money......but No Energy

Sarawak - Kuching 2011

Duration: 26th March 2011 – 30th March 2011

This long anticipated trip was planned a year ago on the 18th May 2010 during the Airasia 0 fare promotion thus costing us not more than RM300 for 4 persons.

Day 1: Arrival at Kuching, Crown Square, 古晋游神 

Meals: Lunch at “Causeway Bay Hong Kong Restaurant”, Western cuisine at “The Junk”

The day begins as early as 6.30am taking the pre-booked taxi heading to LCCT boarding on AK5202 to our vacation destination. Upon arrival at the hotel at 11.00am, we were unable to check-in due to the unready rooms, thus we were forced to stroll around the plazas nearby while waited for a friend. We visited the Hock Lee Centre and Crown Towers which seen to be rather empty and vacant. 360 Urban Resort Hotel was with a fair price offering luxury and comfort lodging and was located only a few km away from the city center. After checking-in the hotel and rested for a moment, we looked through the map for the way driving to the airport to fetch the second batch of arrival. Driving in the city of Kuching is somehow difficult putting my patience in trial due to the leisure lifestyle they are having. The traffic in the city was somehow busy that evening where we were timely to witness the Chinese traditional festive of 游神. This was said to be one of the most happening procession of the year. The variety of events and demonstrations captured the crowd despite the slight downpour. 

The dinner in an old Chinese shop house built in the early 1900’ with the fusion cuisine sprinkling of French, Italian, and Western was scrumptious having the lamb shank and the cheesy mushroom pizza. 

Day 2: Waterfront, Square Tower, Main Bazaar, Satok Sunday Market 

Meals: Buffet breakfast in the hotel, Chinese cuisine at “Joyous Shanghai Restaurant”, Drinking session at “The Junk” 

This was a day to test our physical ability having much exercise wandering around the central of the town and eventually taking a long walk to Satok. Strolling around the streets and bazaar which sells a variety of goods and local specialties spent most of our time. The wonderful Borneo Wooden Warrior Mask was one of the attractions that capture my attention. We bought some souvenirs and handicrafts along the bazaar which was considered rather at a fair price. After long hours spent in the town, we decided to return to the hotel for a shower subsequent to a sunny hot day-out. 

We took our dinner in one of the famous Chinese restaurant in town having the shark-fin soup, Chef-recommended Tofu, Veggie, Prawn Noodle and Mongolian lamb. Unfortunately no pictures were taken on this delectable meal. 

We were on a ride touring around the city looking for the landmarks and being introduced to a number of nice places by Insp Lee. We were backed to The Junk for a drinking session at night where we get to taste the local Borneo Tuak which contains high percentage of alcohol having the taste similar to the typical liquor. The ambiance was indeed wonderful for a gathering and chit-chating and we did spent a wonderful moment there before calling it a day. 

Day 3: Crocodile Farm, Wild Life Park 

Meals: Buffet breakfast in the hotel, Mee Kolok, Seafood dinner at “Top Spot Seafood Centre”, Drinking session at “Shore Bistro”

The entrance fee of RM16.00 to the crocodile farm was said to be disappointing where nothing much to be explore. However consider donating the money for the crocodile fund will eventually make us feel much better. We proceeded to the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre expecting to watch the feeding of Orang Utan however due to the tropical season, they were self sufficient and was well fed in the forest with variety of fruits thus will not gather at the feeding platform which unfortunately causing us to missed the chance to meet this huge creature. 

The dinner at Top Spot Seafood Centre was one of the occasions to taste the locally flavored foodstuff comparing it against what we have in Peninsular Malaysia. This great spot located on top of a multi-storey car park with an open-air concept was offering variety choices of seafood. 

The night entertainment was none other than another drinking session in one of the bistro in town- Shore for jokes, dart games and laughter which ends our night in joy. 

Day 4: Fort Margherita, Chinese Museum, Main Bazaar 

Meals: Buffet breakfast in the hotel, Sarawak Laksa, Special Teh-C, Malay cuisine at “John’s Place” 

This is the day where we contemplated long if we were to visit the Cultural Village or to go around the town still. However, we finally decided not to visit the cultural village after making some research on the internet as the traditional houses does not create much excitement for us after all. 

After taking our breakfast in the hotel’s café, we once again entered the city centre and took a very short boat trip to the Northern district of Kuching to visit the historical fort. After going through some alleyways, we finally reached the “hidden” fort. Fort Margherita was named after Ranee Margaret Brooke; wife of Charles Brooke built in 1878 built by Charles Brooke according to the style of an English Tudor castle and commanded a breathtaking and strategic position along the Sarawak River. This fort was well preserve and we manage to get to the top of the fort admiring the spectacular view of the Sarawak's river. 

After getting back to the Southern District costing us RM0.50 per person, we visited the Chinese Museum which is situated right beside the river. This museum was considered one of the well maintained places of interest rich in information with regards to the arrival of Chinese into the land of Borneo. 

We headed for our lunch in one of the restaurant in Carpenter’s Street to taste the Sarawak Laksa and Special Teh-C ice. The final dinner we have had in Kuching was the Malay cuisine at John’s Place Restaurant which was rather costly compared to a typical one. 

Day 5: Departure 

Meals: Buffet breakfast in the hotel, Local chicken rice 

Enjoyment and pleasurable moments were often too limited before we were forced to be backed to the bustle of life. Thus we opted to spend a relaxing moment in the hotel for our final morning in Kuching before we headed to the airport for departure. It is only through site visit that we actually get to experience and visualize the authentic culture, history and lifestyle of a region and exploring the most localize facts and truths. I am becoming broke once again spending much on the Kuching’s specialty: Handicraft, Peppery and Bird Nest Products. 

Special thanks to be credited to Insp Lee for being the “tour-guide” and “driver” during our visit. And thanks to the car owner for his generosity in lending us his car which facilitated all our outgoings. 

*Kuching, see you again~

Midnight BBQ @ Port Dickson

It has been a long time since after my last crazy outing thus I am now taking the initiative to recapture and to initiate some wild moments and activities in life. Our mini BBQ plan came true where we took a midnight short trip to Port Dickson on the 18th of March 2011. Our trip begins at 9.45pm on Friday where we gathered ourselves at Puchong traveling in 2 cars to our destination. It was drizzling along the way however this does not quench our excitement at all. Upon arrival at Port Dickson at 12.00am, we begin to have our “supper” at the seaside. We were overstuffed by the fish balls, sweet corns, hotdogs, crabsticks, soft drinks and etc. The weather and the sea breeze was wonderful giving us a pleasant night. 

After getting back to the apartment at 3.00am, we begin the game and the drinking session. It was quite a nice apartment with 2 rooms equipped with air-con. Some of the drinkers finally show their true identity after taking the alcohol and wanting more liquor subsequently. (ngek ngek…don’t deny it!)

Most of us rested for less than 2 hours and begin our day at 7.00am on Saturday strolling at the beach. After taking our breakfast in one of the nasi lemak stall, we proceeded slowly back to KL. Thanks for the free apartment, full cooperation and contribution from all participants making the trip successful!