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!

Finland / Sweden (Stockholm) - October 2010

Duration: 3rd October 2010 – 9th October 2010 

Once again I was back in Finland after 7 months since my last visit in March early this year. This trip was indeed “special” and tiring where I have been spending most of my days on the road (car/taxi), in the air (airplane) and above the sea (cruise ship) undergoing several new experiences. 

This journey was in fact not as smooth as the previous one where I unfortunately missed one flight and lost my baggage! Upon arrival in Amsterdam for transit, there was a terrible crowd at the check-in point and I have been queuing for almost 2 hours while my transit time was merely an hour. There were lots of people facing the identical predicament of missing their flight in Schiphol that morning. I was then force to board on the next flight 3 hours later. While arriving in Helsinki, I waited long for my baggage but not being able to spot mine at the collection point. After checking with the service counter, they promise to locate my baggage and to deliver it to the hotel once they found it since there are 2 more flights coming from Amsterdam that evening. The receptionist at Rantasipi Hotel was so helpful in following-up this case with the airport, providing me with the necessities and etc. I was so glad to be able to receive the baggage from the airport late that night as it was urgently needed before my departure to another city the day after. I manage to take a walk around Hyvinkaa that evening enjoying the wonderful breeze and the scene of falling leafs during autumn. The overall view was so different compared to winter. 

Being in Helsinki on Tuesday evening, we took our dinner in a typical Finnish Restaurant about 8 minute’s walking distance from Scandic Continental Hotel where we get to taste the local delights. We departed from the office in Espoo at 12.30pm on Wednesday and headed to Olympia Terminal for a cruise trip to Stockholm-Sweden. The sunshine accompanied by cooling wind was fantastic at the open air cafe- Robert’s Coffee while we waited for the remaining team members to arrive. The foodstuff on the ship was scrumptious and some are fantastic. Most of the people purchases tons of alcohols in the ship as it was tax free and definitely cheaper. We enjoyed watching the ship departing from the coast of Finland on the deck with a glass of drink, however the strong wind almost blown me away. We have had a buffet dinner that night while chit-chatting in the restaurant before we call it a day. 

After several hours of meeting on Thursday morning, we proceeded to the center of the old town of Stockholm to have our lunch. The weather was rather disappointing as it was raining since the morning. We visited the Royal Palace of Stockholm- Kungliga Slottet, Europe's largest and most dynamic palaces! The Royal Palace of Stockholm is His Majesty The King's official residence and is also the setting for most of the monarchy's official receptions. The palace is a daily place of work for The King and Queen as well as for the various departments that make up the Royal Court. The palace is built in baroque style by the architect Nicodemus Tessin and is formed as a Roman palace. The palace has more than 600 rooms divided between seven floors with a state apartment facing the city and smaller living rooms facing the inner courtyard.The entire old town was wonderful having fantastic view. However, we were cheated by the taxi charging us differently for 3 taxis from the same location. 

Spending 2 full days on the ship was not easy due to the wave which makes me seasick. In addition, having the challenge of calculating the time for different GMT (from +1 to +8) was rather confusing. We spent most of our time in the conference room immersing in debates and discussions. The meetings and brainstorming sessions was really killing me and makes me feels like jumping off the ship vanishing into the deep blue sea as being the idiot among 10 other professionals round the table. =.=" 

It was another disaster for me needed to start my journey back to Malaysia boarding on a 15+ hours plane in a dreadful condition where I still feel the ground and buildings around me moving as if I was still on the ship (where my head is spinning round and round…). Though it was a good experience but I guess this might be the first and the last time for me to spend my days on a cruise ship!

Day Trip: Pulau Ketam + Batu Cave

The morning of 16th September 2010 begins at 7.15am gathering 5 of us at P.J. for breakfast before heading for our day’s trip to Pulau Ketam and Batu Cave. With the smooth journey and easily spotted signboards along the way, we managed to arrive at the South Port of Port Klang just about half an hour’s drive and able to board on the 9.30am ferry to the crab island (For sure not forgetting our frequent activity of snap-shooting around while waiting for the ferry to depart on time). It cost each of us RM14.00 for a round trip and the ferry took us exactly 30 minutes across the mangrove swamps. Arrival at Pulau Ketam, what came into our first sight was none other than bicycles and crab images! This small fishing village is a self-contained community; even most of the toilets were still a “traditional” one. Taking a walk along the path will really need special attention avoiding the bicycles (as if we are walking among the traffics in the city). We have been wandering around the residential/housing area and playing with dogs as we could not find anything else to do! What captured our attention during lunch hour was a stall with a sign of selling ABC but having shrimps, chili and spices placed under the sign. We are all interested with this "special recipe" but to much disappointment (pointing to that particular someone that inquires the special add-on subsequently), we found out that the spices were not meant for ice-kacang but for the prawn noodle within the same booth. The fried oyster should have been called the “fried flour” as what we have was only the taste of flour! We departed from the island with some tasty fried ice-cream and special egg-like ice-cube.

 

Reaching Batu Cave at 2.15pm was another challenge for us. Taking the 272 steps all the way up to the limestone hill under the scorching weather was rather not a good experience, but we have enjoyed the jokes and laughter along the way. However much to our disappointment, the cave features nothing more than what we could have expected (However a visit for once in a life time is still worth the effort). All we can see was doves and fierce monkeys attacking and aiming at the drinks of the tourist. Concluding our trip, we have somehow had the feeling of visiting a zoo- watching dogs, cats, fishes, doves and monkeys! Maybe we could have plan for another trip to the zoo instead.

Finland (Helsinki, Hyvinkää) - February / March 2010

Duration: 27th February 2010 – 13th March 2010 

Finally, the day of my trip has arrived where I will be on my way to Finland! A total of 15 hours journey alone across the land of Asia and Europe, with 5k+ miles and 30k feet above the sky boarding on KLM Royal Dutch Airline was consider a pleasant one. The supper (Lamb rice, pudding, corn salad and butter bun) was nice but I was rather exhausted to even finish them before I fell into a deep sleep. The breakfast was a typical European one (omelet, sausages, hash brown, bun, fruit and yogurt + orange juice). 

The sky was dark when I boarded on the airplane in KLIA, and it was still dark after 12 hours journey when I arrived at Amsterdam. =.= The transit in Amsterdam was rather rushing where I only have less than an hour to get across the extensive airport to the next terminal. And I finally get to see the sunny bright sunrise above the clouds on my second flight. 

Upon arrival at Helsinki, the land was covered with snow! It was all white! After collecting my luggage and gotten on a taxi, this is where an embarrassing incident occurs. I walked to the left front seat of the taxi forgetting that it was the driver’s seat in Finland instead of a passenger’s one (hope I will not repeat this mistake again during my next visit…lol). The scenery was awesome with real Christmas tree covered with snow. The snowy ground makes the roads look endless somehow. The weather was freezing cold as it was an extraordinary long winter this year but fortunately, the temperature was now at -12°C rather than the -25°C a week or two before my arrival. The snow was thick and some of the roof even collapsed. 

After checking-in the hotel and dressing up thickly, I took a walk downtown to get my lunch and to feel the ground. Most of the Finns in this small town do not speak nor understands English. This constitute a hard time for me on the first day upon my arrival where the restaurant in the hotel was closed. Most of the shops seem to be closed either and almost all fascias and signboards weren’t in English. Finally, I found a pizza shop along an alley. Alas, the shop keeper does not understand English and the menu was all in Finnish! This predicament was finally resolved by a phone call made by the shopkeeper to his co-worker who understands a little English. Finally I get my order with much pleasure and starting to get back to the hotel while my toes were freezing immersing in the snow. After taking some pizza, I almost slept through the day due to jetlag. 

The first day of March is a new day for me in the office of Hyvinkaa. My bosses and colleagues were kind and nice however still feeling the pressure working with a group of professionals from different countries around the world. The week goes on with more meetings and trainings for sure with the team members. The weekend was spent in the city of Helsinki visiting the churches, shops, bars and any other places of interest. The typical Finnish food includes milk, ham, cheese, bread, potatoes where I almost took all these stuffs in every of my meals. The living cost in Finland was almost the same as in Malaysia however for Malaysian; we need to pay 4.7 times more. A normal lunch in the cafeteria would cost €5.70 but when converted into Ringgit it was more than RM25. The cold and dry weather causes my nose to bleed consecutively for 2 weeks, and my lips cracked for sure. The chocolates which I bought melted once I arrived back in Malaysia as the temperature was almost 40°C different.

Though this blog should have been posted at least 5 months ago after my return, but due to various reasons, it was delayed until this day. As this post acted as a remembrance marking my first step onto the ground of Europe, thus gonna complete this first one before my next visit to Finland again.

Bukit Tabur 1- 水晶山 - 爬山自虐篇之1

*有惊又有险的一天*

五月二十三日的凌晨，当大部份的人都还赖在温软的床辱上时，睡眼惺松的我却踏上一段不可预知的旅途，去挑战水晶山。由于近来的工作极度繁忙，所以爬山前没做足功课还真是第一次。然而却为这唯一的一次付出代价。 爬这座山所需要的不只是耐力，体力和意志力，更需要的是勇气。无数次手里紧握着绳索，望着脚下那几十尺的山崖， 没有任何安全措施，也没有经验之导，却还是得往前行。其中一段，当我回头望向刚成功攀越的岩山时，可笑的看见“回头是岸”四个字喷写在一块大石上，然而我 们却一笑置之。不过当我们继续向前进时，却开始深深体会到写那四个字者的心情。因为过完这艰难的一座山，在眼前的却是另一座85-90斜度的岩石。徒手攀着那粗造的岩石往上爬，毫无退路。就连下山的过程都是惊险的。倾斜且湿滑的泥路，杂草丛生的树林，每一步都考验着个人的平衡感及耐力。狭窄的通道，很有可能让人一失足滑落山谷。 这惊险的周末换来的是伤痕累累的一身，四肢无一幸免。现在回想起那些惊险画面，还真不懂自己是哪来的勇气爬过那一座又一座的高山岩石。=.= I only get to realize the following article posted by some experience hiker after my return: “A 51-year-old man slipped and tumbled down some 30m. Thanks to bushes that cushioned his fall, he got away with just light injuries. In March, two medical specialists, both experienced trekkers, plunged to their death from about 200m high. In October 2008, a college student plummeted from about 100m but cheated death because the trees broke her fall. She suffered a deep gash on her forehead, cracked ribs and a punctured lung. There were two fatalities in 2000 and 2004 and there have been countless accidents, mostly unreported, in the past nine years.” What the…shocked but thanks to the trekking mates that supported each other along the way ^_^ 

 

-* 成功从对面那座山“爬”了过来...

-* 就这样攀着上...