OA & OA (Malaysian Arc: Part 4)

After spending two and the half weeks in Malaysia for the Chinese New Year celebration, I finally made my way back to United States (US). I was welcomed by none other than the cold and snow the day after I returned.

Believing that I will start a new arc on my write ups, I was welcomed by news that I needed to return to Malaysia again for business related matters. For this reason, the write up and continuation of the Malaysian Arc.

The time spent on my second trip to Malaysia took on a different flavor. I simply had more time to see to more fun activities with Melissa. I have introduced Melissa as my zany cousin from my previous write up. More than being zany, bright and a tad sluggish on her part, we in fact grew up together despite being 11 years apart.

Although we had plenty of opportunities spending time together when she was younger, those times diminished as we grew older as we had responsibilities as students who aspired to do exceptionally well in school. Furthermore, we each had our circle of friends whom we spend our time with respectively. The only available times that we can get together were Chinese New Year and weekends.

As we grew older, we somehow spend less time with friends and focus on spending time with our families, thus finding ourselves spending more time with our cousins. Now that she has her driving license and independence, I no longer had to drive all the time! I love being driven around when I am home in Malaysia. Really, Malaysian drivers are indifferent and reckless. I however have been tamed for driving in the US for quite a while now. Believe me that it strains me to drive at home.

Nonetheless, Melissa and I do things most teenagers would do. We find new places to eat. We hang out at side stalls, shopping malls, bowling alley and arcade as well as drive around the city in the middle of the night.

Photo shots of KL city in the middle of the night while driving in the car

Fun times with family at shopping mall, bowling alley and arcade

Doing all the above, I must say that one of our highlights was in fact a day spent at Sunway Lagoon Theme Park. The theme park was established in 1992. Surrounding the theme park is Sunway Pyramid Shopping mall, Sunway Lagoon Resort Hotel and Spa, Sunway Medical Centre and Sunway College. All of the establishments above including the theme park are owned by the giant conglomerate Sunway Group in Malaysia.

The last time I set foot in this 80 acres theme park was many eons ago where I was invited as a guest to enjoy the facilities in the park. The theme park was quite impressive back then. Walking eagerly into the park again, I realized that there were many more things to see and do. They are currently featuring a Scream Park and have incorporated the Extreme Park as well as the Wildlife Interactive Zoo. Seeing that we would not be able to go to all parks, we decided to amuse ourselves at the water park and if stamina permits we would go to the amusement/dry park.

Our first stop was the Mali Cove also known as the wave pool. Sitting by the edge of the pool and waiting for the huge tub of water to overturn was worth it. Splashed by the gush of water was refreshing.

Mali Cove

Our second stop was the African Pythons and Cameroon Climb. Basically, it consists of enclosed and fully open slide as well as an inverted double tube respectively. In short, it was a scream fest session sliding down the tubes in the pitch black darkness.

African Pythons & Cameroon Climb

After which we headed for the Congo Challenge consists of six lanes where one goes head down first. It was another scream fest and adrenaline rush session which left us craving for more exhilarating rides.

Congo Challenge

Despite being young and energetic, those rides wore us out as we had to climb up the hill to experience them. Taking a break, we took a walk against the current on the Voodoo Adventure River and chance upon the man-made ‘Victoria Falls’.

Victoria Falls (man-made)

Halfway into the day, I unfortunately had a probing headache due to the heat. To ease the pain, we headed for the Surf Beach after having some food. Stretching over 13000 square meters, the beach is capable of churning out perfectly shaped surf waves up to the maximum height of 8 feet. I have none but one word to describe the surf beach and its facilities; blissful. Lying down on the deck chair under the hut at the edge of the tropical beach oasis made us forget that a city lies simply beyond the theme park walls.

The Surf Beach

Relaxing within one of the huts at the Surf Beach

Waking up from our approximate 30 minutes peaceful slumber under the hut, we were interrupted by a queer character in leopard print ‘speedo’ swimwear. He asked for our help taking his photos while he posed at the Surf Beach. Melissa being a better photographer than me helped him. It was not until 20 minutes later, he asked Melissa for help again. Only this time, he was lying on one of the deck chairs about 30 feet away. I reclined to take a nap and from the corner from my eye as he unveiled his towel covering his modesty I realized that he had changed into a pair of transparent lacy thongs. Trying to keep a straight face and pretending nothing obscene was going on, I deliberately laid down on the deck chair.

Returning and walking towards the hut was Melissa’s stunned facial expression. I could almost swear she was marked with a paler complexion. Keeping mum, we concurrently decided to walk away from the hut. After a safe distance, I heaved a sign of relief and finally blurted out,

‘What the heck was that?’
‘Is he even normal? What a weirdo!’
‘It’s a public area, a family fun place, not some pornographic film set.’
‘Lace???!!!! A thong???!!!!! Transparent???!!!! For a HE??? You’ve got to be f***ing kidding me!’
‘AND he has a pot belly! Eeewwww!’

Melissa looked at me, rolled her eyes and in exasperation exclaimed,

‘What are you complaining about huh? It’s worst for me. I had full frontal vision! I had to look away while taking that photo and pretended to be unaffected.’
‘I won’t be able to gamble or buy any lottery ticket for the entire year! I’ll surely lose money!’
‘It’s disgusting. Spoiled my day!’
‘It’s all your fault. You attract the weirdest people.’

I do not attract weird individuals. Even so, he is an exhibitionist with skin as thick as rhinoceros hide bar none.

For the next 20 minutes while walking around the park looking for more adventure we cursed repeatedly. We did not find new rides but we successfully walked off the frustration and disbelief. Regaining composure after all the walking and cursing, we ended our day cheerfully at the park by walking the 428 meters long pedestrian suspension bridge. The view? Awesome......

For more pictures, please visit http://rhys31.multiply.com/photos/album/14/Exhilarating_Moments_at_Sunway_Lagoon_Theme_Park

Launching of GastroHaven!

Finally! After several weeks, Melissa and I are launching our new site......(drumroll)

Gastronomic Heaven!

Here we document our adventures with food and rate these establishments in the process. Seeing that this is our launching there is only one review so far. Rest assured there will be more to come.

Enjoy our new site and feel free to refer us to some eateries or restaurants that you have been. Better yet, subscribe to our site and receive notification whenever we update our eating site!

OA & OA (Malaysian Arc: Part 3)

It is uncanny how two months have past since February and not yet close to completing year 2008 that my cousin i.e. Melissa and I started planning for Chinese New Year (CNY) 2009. Admittedly, I am addicted to the exciting moments I had with my cousins when I was home; so readily addicted that I have been having withdrawal symptoms ever since returning to the United States (US). Some of my counterparts believed me to be playing a prank when I expressed how I almost needed a therapist because of my addiction. The factors alleviating my problem are constant gym workouts, tube entertainment and work related ‘pressures’.

Melissa like me must be pining too much for these fun occasions that I received an instant message from her written all in capitals as I logged into MSN Messenger one morning. She wrote, ‘SKFY, WE ARE SO GOING TO LANGKAWI FOR CNY NEXT YEAR!’

Really, I maybe having withdrawal symptoms but this girl was desperate and plagued by boredom. At two in the afternoon Eastern Time and hers in the wee hours of the morning, we started planning for the trip. The excitement was fueling her like caffeine for I would have been dead tired at that time.

Relating this incident to J, he foresee that she and I are going to have a tough 2008 until we see light at the end of the tunnel which literally translates to the end of 2008 and the beginning of 2009 (by the way, CNY 2009 falls on January 26th 2009). While J could relate to our excitement, bouts of desperation and withdrawal symptoms, many in my family were wondering which wires in our heads were gravely messed up.

To begin with, it was the fun we had at the waterfall (write up previously posted in OA & OA Part 1). Next, were the fire crackers that we fired off ‘burning’ our hard earned money in the process. Although not fully described in any of my write ups, it happened at night on the eve of CNY 2008. Also, I would like to reiterate that it was exhilarating.

Last but not least, our short escapade to Penang. Penang is located on the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia by the Straits of Malacca. The state is geographically divided into two sections i.e. Penang Island (Pulau Pinang) and Province Wellesley (Seberang Perai).

Map of Penang

Instead of using the infamous Penang Bridge to traverse to Penang Island, we decided to take the ferry for old time’s sake. Cross-channel ferry services that connect Penang Island and Province Wellesley were the only link between the island and mainland until the bridge was completed in 1985.

A family in two cars headed towards Butterworth, Province Wellesley and waited for our turn to board the ferry. As there were so many traveling during the festive season, it was a lengthy wait at the jetty. Bored as can be, those in the first car alighted to investigate the surroundings. It was after all a while since anyone of us used a ferry as a means of transportation. The slightly older folks in the second car were not as keen to disembark and remained in the vehicle.

Vehicle 1: Me, Kelvin, Michelle, J and Melissa at the jetty

Vehicle 2: Third aunt, Rachael, Cousin Mei Ling, Aunt Anne, Maternal grandma

Kelvin, Me and Melissa

The mind is a peculiar entity. It reacts in countless ways when one is bored. Mine gravitates towards being inquisitive and mischievous. I beckoned my cousins to hush and had Melissa take photos as evidence while I execute the following ever so carefully.

I was however unsuccessful on my second attempt to complete my quest on the other nostril. J woke up (I am not going to divulge what happened thereafter).

We finally made it to the island. Unfortunately, family members in car number two did not make it as the car acted up. It would not start up due to over heating. By the time the car started to act right, my aunt decided not to complete the trip and headed home (Taiping) with the rest of the family.

Disappointed they could not join those who successfully endured, we continued our escapade by driving around the overcrowded island and stopped at Gurney Drive for a bite. Gurney Drive used to be known for its scrumptious hawker food. Though selection was plentiful, it is no longer as flavorful. Better eating places can be found at McAlister road, Penang Road or Air Itam. Nonetheless, the food though not the best definitely outdoes Malaysian food served at chain restaurants in the US (The flavor is nowhere near authentic and I mean you ‘Penang Restaurant' located in most metropolitan areas in the US).

After filling up on food under the scorching heat, we headed to Batu Ferringhi located adjacent to Teluk Bahang and Tanjung Bungah. Batu Ferringhi consists of strip of beaches on the northern coast of Penang. Days when I was younger, the beaches were almost untouched. Presently, there are numerous large hotels, restaurants and souvenir stores. Not helpful to the environment I must add.

Walking towards a favorable spot on the beach

At the beach, all but J touched the water. Let us just say J was being a wimp. Apparently, his feet coming in contact with the sea water could exacerbate his oncoming flu (roll eyes). We were there for approximately three hours. Imagine what we can do in three hours especially when we have one of our youngest cousins with us. To put it mildly, playing tricks on Michelle is an activity Melissa, Kelvin and I love doing.

Kelvin, Melissa and Me in borrowed swimming trunks

Piling sand on Michelle

Buried Michelle (we told her it was a photo shoot before leaving her there)

Group photo.....J asleep somewhere

Summing it all up, I had a fantastic time so did everyone on the trip. As Melissa and I plan for CNY 2009 which the entire family will celebrate with a bang, our industrious minds will definitely be pondering on CNY 2010.


Pssstt…..in case you did not know, CNY 2010 falls on February 14th 2010 ;)

For more pictures, please visit http://rhys31.multiply.com/photos/album/13/Penang_2008_A_Day_Trip

OA & OA (Malaysian Arc: Part 2)

Like most women, I have weight issues. Working out regularly with weights and cardio machines as well as watching what I eat is something I incorporate into my lifestyle. In Malaysia however, I always throw caution to wind. As a matter of fact, this Chinese New Year I could not care less. I even had a theme song (see below) wherever I went.

It did not help when I have a family who loves to cook and eat. Moreover, I have not had Malaysian and home cooked food for quite a while. So many are starving out there but in Malaysia, people hunt on a full stomach. Endless restaurants, kopitiams (Chinese coffee shops), mamak (Indian-Muslim) and street stalls decorating both developed and developing parts of this country. One who loves food has to have the will power to say ‘No’ and it is absolutely complex.

Hence, what is Malaysian food? Malaysian cuisine is not one particular distinction of food. Instead its influence is derived from the multi-ethnic population of Malay, Chinese, Indian, Nyonya and the Indigenous peoples of Borneo. Malaysians have also over the years adapted dishes from other ethnic group to create new ones. Thus, the list of food is endless and requires substantial write up. However, food facts DO NOT and CANNOT portray the feelings it invokes when the food touches the palate. I can only describe the emotions by the theme song and photos below.

Theme Song

Food Glorious food
We're anxious to have it
Six banquets a day
Our favorite diet
Just picture a huge pork steak
Fried, roasted or stewed
Oh food!
Malaysian food!
Marvelous food!
Glorious food!

Food Glorious food
Poached chicken served as is
Broth made from an ox
Or plump red bean soufflé

Why should we be created to
Stop eating when full
Oh food!
Magical food!
Wonderful food!
Malaysian food!

Food Glorious food
Skin munched off the fat duck
Crisped, roasted or grilled
Now we'll be the stuffed ones
Just thinking of laksa soup
Tempts us to have more of
Food, Glorious food!
Marvelous food!
Fabulous food!
Beautiful food!
Magical food!
Malaysian food!

(Lyrics have been modified to reflect personal theme
Original lyrics from Ice Age 2: The Meltdown – Food Glorious Food)

Home Cooked Food compliments of my aunt

Food on the other table, compliments of my aunt

Home Cooked Food compliments of my mom

Laksa Noodle

Fried squid

Assorted fried finger food

Star mussels

Michelle and food.... so much affection

Melissa and Laksa.....such a happy expression

Ampang Yong Tau Foo

Salmon Yee Sang

Seafood flare

For more information on Malaysian cuisine, please refer to the following URLs.
http://www.malaysianfood.net/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuisine_of_Malaysia

OA & OA (Malaysian Arc: Part 1)

For five years I have been flying home and each time when the plane touches down I look forward to walking the ‘halls’ of Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). As crazy as it sounds, KLIA is actually a beautiful airport. It is clean, new and has enough capacity that one does not feel too congested when there are countless passengers traveling. The air train ride is what I would describe as serene especially if you enjoy the grey landscape and green beyond. Personally, I enjoy the view. In spite of the ride and view, the highlight is when I am walking in anticipation towards the immigration air gate. Having gone through countless stringent immigration checks in a foreign country even though a resident, really strike a cord in me that I am nevertheless a visitor. To be able to walk towards the line that describes ‘Malaysian Passport’ and NOT ‘Foreign Passport’ on the other hand, conveyed that I was truly home in my birth country.

Hence, what do I do when I am home? Honestly reuniting with my family is not the only event I have in mind. No snow, cold weather, work and unwanted phone calls for three weeks! Additionally, I was going to eat Malaysian food, enjoy the hot weather, humidity and friends. Topping it all off is going back to my hometown Taiping and see to a few fun filled activities.

Taiping is a town in the state of Perak, Malaysia the largest town in Perak after Ipoh (Perak’s state capital). Situated on a plain to the west of the Bintang Mountains with Alor Setar lying to the north-west and Ipoh to the south-east, it comprises of the following areas.

Map of Taiping town

The average annual rainfall is about 4000 mm thus, boasting an impressive collection of flora and century-old rain trees.

Forest Floor at the foot of Bukit Larut (formerly known as Maxwell Hill)

Man and Tree

Primates on the prowl

With such heavy rainfall, Taiping is also blessed with waterfalls. Thus, a few young ones and my dad made a trip to one of the waterfalls in Taiping and had a splashing great time. The organizer me that is, stricken with flu had a difficult time getting out of bed for the trip. 'Thanks' to my young cousins' pestering, I made it to the waterfall with a towel in one hand and tissues on the other.

The Organizer

The walk to the waterfalls 1

The walk to the waterfalls 2

The waterfall with Kelvin & John

Crazy splashing...

All Together Now......

(clockwise from top: Dad, Melissa, Organizer, John, Kelvin, Rachael, Michelle)

Once there, it was hard to leave. Our only motivation to get out of the waters was the reunion feasts waiting for us at home. Nonetheless, if the waterfall is not your scene, there is always the Taiping Lake Gardens, Zoo with a Night Safari, Bukit Larut, Bukit Merah Laketown Resort, food glorious food……..

For more pictures, please visit http://rhys31.multiply.com/photos/album/12/Taiping_CNY_2008_The_Waterfalls

Online Again and On Air (OA & OA)

It has been a while since I have written and updated my site. In fact so much has happened I could not possibly narrate them in detail. My cousin sister called me lazy. I suppose when one have not written for so long, it is much harder getting back into the groove.

What happened between my last write up and now? In summary, I have moved to a new apartment, changed my address, bought new furniture, set up my cable and internet subscription. These took quite a while. Also, I have traveled just a little for work and scouted for additional work. Did all the above and realized I entered into an encounter with the thirties crisis just in time to go for vacation.

Thirties crisis aside, I enjoyed myself back home for the Chinese New Year. Every year I look forward to going home though it is the journey that I dread most. I travel approximately 28 hours including transit from United States to Malaysia. Blame the number of hours on the route that I choose to take. Since I rack up plenty of miles on United Airlines (UA), I did not consider flying any other airlines but UA. Mere laziness and inconvenience prevents me from accumulating miles on other airlines. Singapore Airlines (SIA) is another alternative since SIA is part of Star Alliance like UA. The issue was the additional two hours travel by ground transportation to airports where SIA transits at, hence UA it is. Nevertheless, here lies my nonsensical route.

The long hours bore and hurt me. When I purchase magazines, I meant many magazines such as Fortune, Forbes, Kiplinger, Spa, Women’s Health and In Touch all at one go. Sleep is physically impossible unless one travel on Business Class which I do when the upgrade goes through successfully. Otherwise, I pray that no one sits next to me so that I can have the entire row. Thankfully, when not traveling in the Business Class cabin, I have been able to travel on Economy Plus as the leg space is more compared to Economy. To be able to travel on Economy Plus, one has to buy a full fare UA economy ticket also known as a Y class ticket. The Y class ticket is expensive by the way and it is not very different from buying a C class ticket, a lower fared option for a Business Class ticket. Another alternative to be able to travel on Economy Plus is to achieve Elite status. Elite status can only be attained by flying and racking up miles. The breakdown is as follows:

My route back to the United States from Malaysia is the reverse from the above. The difference is that I have more transit time in Narita International. Having three hours of transit time, I take the opportunity to shower in their shower rooms (USD 5 for 30 minutes, toiletries included) and see to a little duty free shopping (mochi, mochi, mochi….).

In addition to the hours, I hate being shoved into the role of a terrorist pretending to be an inept stripper at transit points. Before entering the boarding area, you are a terrorist until proven otherwise. To prove yourself as another innocent traveler, make sure you surrender your notebook/laptop for scanning. On top of that, if you have liquids ensure that they are 3 ounce travel size each all packed into a 1 quart zip-top clear plastic bag. Sharp objects of any sort like a nail clipper for example are out of the question. Firearms? You are asking for plenty of inconvenience and trouble.

Once you surrender your notebook/laptop as well as the liquids in the zip-top bag, it is time to strip down. Make sure you rush through it. Take your jacket, belt, boots or shoes off quickly as this is one ‘performance’ that others do not have patience for. Additionally, do not expect a dollar bill as reward as you will NOT be remunerated for your efforts.

(Random thought: Sometimes I believe the factor that stops travelers from stripping more at airports is the lack of a stripper pole, erotic music and appreciative audience.)

As you waltz through the security device, you can merely hope that it does not beep unless frisking by strangers works for you. Another friendly suggestion, refrain from hand carrying self-pleasure items unless you love scrutiny and the ‘I know what you are carrying’ smiles.

Be prepared to perform the above at ALL transit points although you just deplaned and are still within the boarding area. It is for safety, all brought upon by the Bin Ladens and the likes of Al-Qaeda. Hunting them down and imprisoning them is not enough I must say. Their capital punishment should include going through simulated airport security according to the number of travelers traveling internationally since the 9/11 incident until the day they are caught. I like to see how they enjoy emptying carry-on bags and stripping while simulating other travelers huffing and puffing behind them with impatience OVER and OVER again NONSTOP.

I shall not even illustrate the details of missed and delayed flights due to weather and mechanical issues. Despite it all, I know I will travel at least once a year to reunite with my family members to celebrate Chinese New Year. It is this time of the year that I look forward to the most and I shall not have it otherwise.

To be continued….

Something New To Crave.....

Building my ride on the Honda site, I finally created the 2008 Honda CRV EX 4WD close to my dream car, the BMW M3 series. The Honda may not resemble my dream car but for practical reasons, this car has it all. Car specifications that caught my eye:

• Low gas mileage (City/Highway: 20mpg/26mpg)
• 4WD especially for the winter
• All disc plate brakes
• Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with Traction Control
• Ultra-Low-Emission Vehicle
• 5 speed automatic with O/D
• Steering wheel-mounted audio controls
• 17” Alloy wheels
• Chrome window trim
• Moonroof
• 6 disc CD changer

Front mud guards were added as accessories to this car as it did not come with them. I was so tempted to pimp up my car with a set of spoke chrome-look alloy wheels but decided against it later to minimize attention to my soon-to-be new car.

After building the car on the site, I submitted my request for quotes from the various Honda dealers in my area. Amazingly the dealers came back with quotes within 2 hours, thus the start of my visits to dealerships with the best offer attempting to further haggle for a better price.

Talking to the dealers was not as challenging as I thought it would be as most dealers gave me their final price. Those that did not offer their best only had me walking out of the dealership. All is not lost as there was one dealer that had me returning and offering them what I thought was a fair price to both of us that they finally accepted. My deposit was put down and with the VIN number in hand I started shopping around for car insurance over the internet. Purchasing my policy over the internet, all I needed to do was collect my car on Tuesday the following week.

Came Tuesday I collected my baby. The smell of the new car and the smooth ride put a smile on my face the moment I drove it. There it was, my car sitting on the parking lot beckoning me to drive it as I stare at it everyday from my apartment window. It sounds extreme but that car is a damn good ride.

Of course with every new object owned come with new responsibilities. For the past 11 years of my life I have either driven my dad’s car or rentals. In conclusion, I had the luxury of not experiencing the need to take care of them as someone else was taking of that for me. With this new possession, the tables have turned and I finally had to step up to the plate and I wasted no time researching the internet.

Believe me when I said I had plenty to learn and read about taking care of cars since I intend to keep the car for the next ten years. Perhaps I will bore you with what it means to perform under the hood checks in my next write up. Nonetheless, here is me and my new baby.

Did I mention I put a set of wheel locks on the car tires too?

For more pictures, please visit http://rhys31.multiply.com/photos/album/11/Pimp_My_Ride