The Shrinking Fleece

Cameo Entry part ll

2011-09-11T22:50:00.000-07:00

this pic of Mukhlis taken at Pandan

Post-Raya mood is not the best mood in the world I must say. After the festive ambient of 1 week holiday, to restart the dinamo of working mode is not an easy job. It's like you wake up from your comfy bed in the chill gusty rainy monday morning and multiply to 500. It's like that. Sort of.

To go to work, to the job that u are not fancy enough is one of the great challenge. And to face your new boss, who is corky, pasive and dumb is always a big task to do everyday. But take it as it comes, you know you are doing the right thing when somebody pat you at the back and tell you, you did a good job. That is enough.

Selamat Hari Raya Maaf Zahir Batin.

Episode 1 : The Christmas Trip

2011-02-11T08:58:00.000-08:00

Hatyai backstreet

We went to Thailand last December. It was a very no-plan-trip I can say. We only bought an online flight ticket back from Hatyai - KL. No other bookings, no nothing. The rest we left it to God to decide where we were heading.

The hawker sellling grill seafoods at Aonang street. Drool*

I was in KL for official trip and my significant other joint me few days after. The initial plan was to go to Pulau Tuba, Langkawi and spend few nights there at fishing village then off to my Alma Meter in Sintok.

Pay per Ride Elephant at Aonang. She looks old and overworked

But we ended up going further up to Hatyai by bus from KL after a short discussion and bought the flight ticket straight away online from hotel room in KL. Typical us.

The fire performer at one of the pub at Aonang

The bus from Bukit Jalil took us 9 freaking hours and we arrived Hatyai at 6am. From there we just opened Southern Thai map to look where to spend the night and decided to go to Krabi by van after getting the info from the bus ticket counter lady. It took us almost 5 hours to reach Krabi with 1pm van.

The young dudes bathing at the clean stream of Aonang Village

In the van, we sat next to a Singaporean who settled down in Krabi and he suggested to us to go straight away to Aonang Beach, that is 20 minutes away from Krabi Town.

Krabi Town Waterfront. Coolness*

At Aonang we managed to bargain a chalet room that cost us 400baht from 600baht. Cool ey? Actually we can bargain everything in Thailand. Trust me.

The Aonang Beach that we didn't fancy

So we spent 4 days at Aonang, which famous with white beach, blue sea, beautiful islands and limestone cliffs and packs with resorts, hotels and pubs.

We were there. The 7th Anniversary of Disasturous Tsunamy : Dec 26

We didn't really amazed with the beach and the beach was packed with tourists. And we hate it. It was xmas holiday and we should have been aware of the consequences.

My significant other tried to read the tourist info signboard that is not tourist friendly

We spent most our time roaming around the village area and Krabi Town by bike we rent. We didn't even go for Island hopping nor swimming at the beach. Crowded place made me dizzy I guess.

One Village One Industry. Thai Batik chanting at Aonang Village

The Pasar Malam at Aonang

I know it was a backpack trip but telling the truth, we didn't really enjoy this trip especially me. It was like something holding me to enjoy the trip and and urged me to go back home.

Work Life Balance & Mak

2011-02-08T23:29:00.000-08:00

These few months have been very hectic for me. A lots of work, promotion, new post, programs, travelling and blah blah blah. But nothing beats the time I spend for Mak.

She has been diagnosed with stroke since December 30th. I spent 15 days of my January's rainy nights at hospital, accompanying Mak, next to her all nights.

Mak, you are the greatest Matriarch ever. Get well soon. I'm desperate to listen to your daily basis nagging of things around the house and having breakfast of your nasik aruk. the best ever in the universe. and the tumpik. It's out of this Milky Way.

Talk Mak.

Kapit

2010-12-03T01:41:00.001-08:00

I'm off to Kapit next Monday. Can't wait and looking forward to visit the laidback small town in the middle of Sarawak rainforest. I never been there before and will spend 3 nights at the long house which I don't remember the name.

and I want to witness the catastrophe from the out of hand the so called logging industry which created by the greedy blind idiot logging interpreneur from the view of Express Boat along Rajang River. Damn Loggers! Damn you all.

Random Pics

2010-11-28T17:35:00.000-08:00

My Wife, Her Baby Sis & My Mother In Law - 3 pieces of cooling factors. Batang Ai Hilton Resort Jetty and the tranquil sunset. Awesome.

Tupong Bridge of Jalan Merdeka, Petra Jaya, Kuching. I subconciously noticed this kampung bridge and the small river of Tupong have their own aesthetic view which I doubt it if any of the villagers do have the same sight. I hope they do.

Sikog Waterfall of Padawan Highland

2010-11-22T00:32:00.001-08:00

Sikog Waterfall located at Kampung Sikog, somewhere near Mambong Area around 30 minutes drive from Kuching City Centre. I never heard of this kampung till Che'gu Hafiz mentioned about it when we had a discussion few weeks ago, about our initial plan to climb Santubong.

The akek where his yard we parked our car

After a suicidal plan of climbing Santubong last week, we decided to do something lighter and casual. And there came the idea of going to Sikog Waterfall. So we called Che'gu Hafiz, and asked him to guide us to the mystery waterfall of Sikog.

Get lost starts from the first step. I love that grass!

We arrived at Kampung Sikog at 9am, slightly late from initial plan. After parked our car at the one of the kampung's resident and paid him handsomely RM5 for parking fee, off we go into the kebun & jungle at the back of the kampung, confidently.

Dain & Aseng : Lost in the secondary jungle of Sikog

We supposedly trekking in estimation of 30 minutes to arrive to the waterfall but instead it took us almost 2 hours plus to reach there after being lost in the jungle and villagers farm. It wasn't really a nice experience, to get lost and knowing that you were in an alien surrounding.

Slippery plank bridge on the way to the waterfall

We reached the waterfall and it was a stunning one. One high waterfall from the rocky hilly river straight to the deep basin. The water was ice cold and refreshing. And the best thing is, we are the only people there and the waterfall is all ours.

The Sikog Waterfall

After we had our lunch, Din, Che'gu Hafiz and I went up stream and found the reservoir which the main source of the villagers to get their clean water for daily usage.

Surveying the Up Stream

Fresh and clean highland water with no clorine, no water treatment, no bills to be paid and just using gravity to channel the water to the surrounding villages. Cool.

Din clearing the filter of the pipes to smoothing the flow of the water supply to the villages

Then it started to rain heavily packaged with thunder storm. Great. We didn't stay longer, we packed our stuffs and trekking back to the kampung, soaking in the heavy rain. I love it! Jungle, Heavy Rain, Muddy Pathway, Leeches & Nature. All together in one package.

The pipeline of clean water to the whole villages

We arrived the kampung within 30 minutes, changed our soaked clothes and drove to 10th Mile Market, 15 minutes away from the kampung and had our tea break.

The Lost Gang. From left : Din, Aseng, Aji, Che'gu Hafiz & me, behind the camera.

It was not really adventurous as I expected and the feeling of going back to Santubong Mountain really dwell deep inside of me. I need to go back there and standing up on the top of the Santubong next!

Santubong XPDC - The Failed One

2010-11-14T18:59:00.001-08:00

I went climbing up Gunung Santubong yesterday with 3 other highscool ex-classmates. It was an impromptu plan and it was a suicidal! Without any preparation physically neither mentally, we just went off to the legendary mountain of Sarawak, in the cold mist of early morning of good Sunday.

Early Birds. We were the first 4 climbers checking in

Our plan was to start trekking early and reach the top by 11am, and have our simple brunch before off back to the entrance by afternoon. But, we were wrong! very wrong and totally underestimated the track and overestimated our capability.

Sepul's first round agony

I had my last mountain climbing back in 1998, when i was still an undergrad student. While Din never climb any mountain before but he his a gymgoer. Sepul & Asseng, let just say the last time they had intensive exercised was like err.. when Siti Nurhaliza not even popular yet! And to have a mountain climbing without well preparation, its like a disaster in the making.

Climbing down the first slope

We started climbing up at 8am, and just right after 45 minutes of treking from the first check point, Sepul vomitted and he justified it because of the heavy breakfast he had and the redbull drink that I gave him before that. and Asseng, he started to have difficulty in breathing and we kept stopping for every few hundred metres we walked but he did fine after that.

The view halfway of the mountain. Santubong River and Kuching City from afar

We reached the waterfall at checkpoint 5 and that was after 2 1/2 hours of trekking which supposed to be under 2 hours by normal trekking and the stiff part is yet to come. It is a small waterfall with a wood bridge cross it from the other side of the trek. One beautiful waterfall and we decided to hang out there on the way down after reach the top. The plan will be the spirit boost for us, supposedly.

We proceed with our trekking till we reached the checkpoint 9, when the nightmare started. The trek is full of 90 degrees slopes forgodsake! with the rope ladder we managed to go till checkpoint 13 except for Sepul. We had to leave him alone at checkpoint 11 due to his groin and old injury of his knee.

Going down after lunch with 90 degrees slope. And there are alot of it all the way to checkpoint 9

So we had our lunch up there and it was already 1pm. Thinking about Sepul who was still sitting alone in pain at checkpoint 11, we decided to go down and just forget about the the summit, which just 30 minutes away from the last checkpoint we reached.

Sepul's second agony

We went down, picked Sepul up then slowly declining the mountain while enjoying the spectacular view of the surrounding area and Kuching City from afar. Breathtaking view I can say with the fresh gust and different type of flora and fauna, It was one of the best feeling ever. Escape from the daily busy routine and breakaway from the hectic life, with fresh air and the green nature, it was one hell of the feeling! but it comes with cost. I have problem with my knee from my old injury from playing football and harmstring, and it was killing me!

Din took a power nap at the waterfall. Awesome.

We managed to reach the waterfall at 3pm and spent like 30 minutes there, enjoying the cold water and clean our selves up a bit. With the sound of flowing water, the chirping birds, jungle sound really can make you calm and placid. I took 10 minutes nap on the bridge before we off again to the starting point.

The waterfall. It used to be bigger. Well, what do you expect, its a global warming era =))

We reached our car by 515pm with a supergreat relief, sore body, limping and stink shirt. We promised to be back, and this time we will conquer the top with whatever cost it will take. Im so proud of everybody, with no preparation we managed to reach checkpoint 13 which is the second summit.

It was fun but we wont do it again without a proper preparation and never again underestimate the challenge of Mount Santubong. With sore legs and ache shoulders, its gonna be a long day in the office today. Longgg dayyy...

Piasau Camp of Miri

2010-11-09T17:06:00.000-08:00

I went to Miri last month visiting friends who settled down there. Miri is one cool town I must say. With the proper urban planning, Miri nowadays is one of my favourite city to be visited.

Piasau Camp sunset. This is somewhere near the beach on the way to Lutong

One of my friend lives in Piasau Camp, a former settlement for Shell employees. I love this place, with an open concept of housing and well maintained lawn and yard plus spacious house.

Zam & Din. My good friends since school and now. At Kray's place in Piasau Camp.

Those who live there, I can say they are LUCKY to have that kind of environment to live. A privacy and old style of western style of living. I found out that the way they built the housing area and the concept is similiar with the housing in surburban area in western country.

Cool housing area and I envy them!

Our Old Pad

2010-11-02T02:02:00.000-07:00

Our old and retro looking apartment. Presidential City of Presidential Boulevard, Philadelphia

Lately I keep thinking of our good time when we were still in Philadelphia. I missed the city, the people, the life and especially our old one bed room cheap apartment in City Avenue. It's an old apartment, just next to the main highway and just 8 mins drive to the downtown. Superconvenient!

The cheapskate living room deco for a retro looked apartment

We had the moment of our lifetime there and I'm thinking of going back there soon. The coolest city of all.

Philly Downtown. The famous City Hall and William Penn Statue on the top.

Penambang Pengkalan Sapi & Office Sunset

2010-10-31T23:31:00.000-07:00

Me at Pengkalan Sapi. I love this pengkalan. The skyline of Kuching old town can be viewed from here clearly.

This is the view of the sunset from the rear end of my office. The new building is on the way up.

Give Blood

2010-10-29T01:03:00.000-07:00

It's just a draft.

bOrEdOM

2010-09-06T01:12:00.000-07:00

BOREDOM.boredom.BOREDOM.BOREDOM.boredom.boredom.BOREDOM.boredom.BOREDOM.boredom.BOREDOM.BOREDOM.boredom.boredom.BOREDOM.boredom.BOREDOM.boredom.BOREDOM.BOREDOM.boredom.boredom.BOREDOM.boredom.BOREDOM.boredom.BOREDOM.BOREDOM.boredom.boredom.BOREDOM.boredom.boredom.BOREDOM.BOREDOM.boredom.boredom.BOREDOM.boredom.boredom.BOREDOM.BOREDOM.boredom.boredom.BOREDOM.boredomBOREDOM.boredom.BOREDOM.BOREDOM.boredom.boredom.BOREDOM.boredom.BOREDOM.boredom.BOREDOM.BOREDOM.boredom.boredom.BOREDOM.boredom.BOREDOM.boBOREDOM.boredom.BOREDOM.BOREDOM.boredom.boredom.BOREDOM.boredom.BOREDOM.boredom.BOREDOM.BOREDOM.boredom.boredom.BOREDOM.boredom.BOREDOM.boBOREDOM.boredom.BOREDOM.BOREDOM.boredom.boredom.BOREDOM.boredom.BOREDOM.boredom.BOREDOM.BOREDOM.boredom.boredom.BOREDOM.boredom.BOREDOM.bo.

Ping Pong Madness

2010-09-03T00:24:00.000-07:00

These combination of things, ruined my afternoon

Usually, in the afternoon, I will spend my lunch break taking a nap since I'm not really go out for lunch.

Recently, I granted the allocation for the ping pong table for my staff's recreation and since the only area that spacious enough to put the table is the office area is between my room and my boss's room, which they put it there.

Now they play ping pong day in day out on lunch break. And it's madness.

the new room of mine

Since the table is out there, I couldnt take my áfternoon nap anymore because they are too loud. Well, at least I achieved my target, to let my staffs interacting with each other and having healthy lifestyle. But on the other side, now I'm missing my long nap in the afternoon. Darn*

I love playing ping pong, but I love my afternoon nap more, I guess.

Green Technology and Earth under Threat

2010-08-30T01:08:00.000-07:00

Everybody is talking about Green Technology. But do they really understand, what the heck is green technology?

If they do, do they really act like one who understands on what is green technology all about? Or do they just being ignorance and live the life fullest as what they want and ignore the fact of how our mother earth is on serious threat nowadays.

In every corner of the globe - on land or in water, in melting ice and dissapearing snow, during heat waves and droughts, in the eye of hurricanes and in the tears of refugees, the world is witnessing mounting and undeniable evidence that nature's cycles are profoundy changing.

So what are we gonna do?

Jumaat Prayer Dude

2010-08-26T21:32:00.001-07:00

Hari ini hari jumaat, ramai org pegi sembahyang jumaat

tapi aku masih menghadap binatang pc ini, sebab tiada kereta hendak pegi sembahyang jumaat

kereta aku wife aku yg drive, sebab belum mampu nak beli dua buah kereta

minyak mahal macam emas, nak drive hari-hari 50km return,

tak termasuk tol yang mahal tak ingat

aku ingat nak beli tosikal, tapi aku tiada lesen tosikal

lesen kereta aku pun dah 2 tahun mampus, hanya ada lesen memandu Pennsylvania,

yang valid hingga 2013, yang aku tak pasti valid atau tidak di bumi malaysia

So better Ill try seeking anyone available

for me to hop in and perform the prayer

before my eyes started to shut

this damn supercool aircond is killing me hard

ciao!

Back in Town!

2010-06-06T22:55:00.000-07:00

from Hilton Batang Ai Jetty - tranquil sunset. Went there with the family for Gawai Vacation.

Im back in town and have started working, back to my old office but in the different portfolio. Bosan*

Spare Change Coins

2010-05-09T00:20:00.000-07:00

Recently me and my significant other had our spare change coins of penny, dime and nickle changed at Pathmark, the store somewhere near our apartment.

We have been keeping these coins in the pringle's container and only used our spare change of quarters most of the time especially for doing our laundry.

Using the coins change machine and being charged for almost 8% of the total amount for the process fee, all together we had USD43.03 extra in hand that day. So what you can have for that amount of money?

We treated ourselves with the delicious Bobby Flay burger & salad at Bobby Burger Place, UPenn.

and bought a bunch of bargain books at UPenn bookstore, frisbee and Uno game cards. Well worth it.

Pancakes & Omelets Hunting

2010-05-03T10:35:00.001-07:00

Mecca Diner in Raleigh, North Carolina - cool diner established since 1931

I'm always craving for our local Malaysian breakfast but lately, I'm craving for pancakes, while my wife, she kept on hunting for the best omelet in town. We managed to try out several diners around Philly, tasting out their varieties of pancakes and omelets.

The Amish's blueberry pancake at Reading Terminal Market - the best so far

Our main concern is, when we will be back in Kuching soon, we wouldn't get the chance to have delicious diner foods like the ones we enjoyed here.

Amish's mushroom & cheese omelet - my wife love it!

I noticed that in Malaysia, most of the western breakfast are only served at hotels and/or high end restaurants. It is quite difficult to fine one diner that serves this kind of food especially in Kuching.

The customers, waiting to pounce their hands on the
Amish's breakfast at the Reading Terminal Market

It seems that the majority of the people in Malaysia prefer to have local breakfast menus like nasik lemak, laksa Sarawak, mee kolok, roti canai, teh tarik and all those manis2 and lemak2 traditional breakfast cakes and delicacies.

The Amish lady serving her hungry customers

Don't get me wrong, being a Malaysian myself, I love those local foods for breakfast but thinking about how much the cholesterol and those lemak2 elements in them, it made me think twice to have those kind of breakfast on a daily basis.

Chestnut Hill Diner - they have trolley at their entrance

I love pancake and omelet very much that if we have the chance to go out of town, we will try the diners all over the places for their special pancakes & omelets in the menu.

The mushroom omelet & toast of Chestnut Hill Diner - Savory*

So while we are still here, we will continue to hunt for more pancakes and omelets as long as we have the chance to do so.

Chestnut Hill Diner - our breakfast that I doubt will be easy to get when we are back in Kuching soon

I'm thinking of opening our own diner concept with reasonable price in Kuching but I'm quite skeptical if our local people can accept this kind of food. I'm sure we still prefer roti canai, nasi lemak, laksa Sarawak and mee kolok for breakfast.

My homemade pancake with hot brewed coffee - haven.

Going Out till Drop

2010-05-01T06:46:00.000-07:00

Beautiful tulips at Washington Ave of Cape May, New Jersey

My wife & I, didn't really stay at home these few weeks. If possible, we want to spend everyday, exploring the places that we never been before. Too short of time and too many places to check out.

Philly Zoo! the firsts Zoo in America.

Bird Wet Land Observatory, Cape May, New Jersey

It was like, the days passed by in speeding mode. I will try to up date our exploration if I have free time soon. For the time being, I'm too busy going out and enjoy our last spring in Philadelphia.

Reading Terminal Market, Philadelphia - our fav place

En Route KCH

2010-04-21T21:29:00.000-07:00

It's April 22 2010. We only have 24 days left to enjoy our days in States. I just can't believe it, that how fast time flies when you are enjoying yourself and with your loves one of every single nanosecond, in this beautiful country and wonderful people.

Sunset Beach of Cape May, New Jersey

But, no place like home. We are going back home, to the place that we belong to.

Valley Creek at Valley Forge

2010-04-19T03:37:00.001-07:00

We went to Valley Creek last week. It's a creek area somewhere in Valley Vorge, that is 20 minutes drive from our place.

It was a shiny, hot and bright day. A perfect day for a random outing for us. After warming up the car engine, we were still indecisive where should we head to. Ended up we chosed to go to Valley Forge for a sightseeing.

The American Revolutionary War Monument

Valley Forge was the site of the camp of the American Continental Army over the winter of 1777 - 1778 in the American Revolutionary War led by General George Washington.

The site of the encampment became a Pennsylvania State Park in 1893, and became Valley Forge Historical Park on the 4th of July 1976.

The family park

The modern park features historical and recreated buildings and structures, memorials and newly renovate visitor center.

The cabin where the soldiers lived in the cold winter of 1777 - 1778. On called, anytime for the battle with the British Army.

We can drive car, cycling or walking for a tour around the encampment site of Valley Vorge

The park memorial visitor center's compound

The park was awesome but the creek was really supercool I must say. We spent the whole afternoon, hanging out at the park and exploring the remote part of the creek.

The flying fisher at the creek

The wood path for hiking and jungle trekking

The clearwater stream

We also stumbled with a hidden stream and old bridges at the hidden creek area which we found out, we were the only visitors at that moment.

We didn't know this old empty house used to be the great French, General Lafayette's quarters till we got closer and saw the below signboard

an old steel bridge

Love the creek's tranquility and the serene view, we plan to come back and bring together our other friends for a picnic trip. This time with a blanket for me to sleep, at the river bank. Haven.

My significant other, enjoying herself basking under the hot sun

Belgian Waffle in Philly

2010-04-13T10:13:00.000-07:00

Aku jarang cerita pasal makanan dalam blog aku. Tah lah. Mungkin sebab dah berlambak sangat yang cerita pasal makan dan sejak aku mula diet, aku dah kurangkan aktiviti makan dalam kuantiti yang banyak dan lupa dunia.

Kecuali makanan tu special.

Baru-baru ni, aku dan my loyal side kick, orang rumah aku teringin nak makan Belgian Waffle selepas tertengok dalam rancangan Food Network. Nampak macam sedap.

Jadi wife aku googlekan dan cuba carik the best belgian waffle di Philadelphia. So dapat jugak la 3, 4 recomendation for few places in downtown. So we decided to try one at Bonte Cafe at Walnut & 18th St.

So the next day, dengan bersemangatnya both of us tunggu bas to the downtown for a sake of having the waffles as our breakfast.

The cafe is not bad, located in the basement of an old building. So dgn keadaan blurred, tak tau what to order, we just asked the cashier what is the best waffle they got.

So kita org order the special belgian waffle breakfast for my wife and aku order the one with ice cream on the top.

The taste? Very nice, just like other waffle but it's more fluffy and tasty with cinamon. Makan satu dah kenyang.

Lepas makan, aku & wife buat sikit post eating discussion and we agreed it's not that out of this world sedap tapi pelik bila tengok dalam tv, semua nampak sedap.

Well I guess, kalau dah lidah Melayu + Cina, memang tak boleh blah sangat makanan org putih. But it's a good experience though. We will try again next time. Perhaps at other diner.

BBQ : Unhealthy but whattheheck

2010-03-30T09:28:00.000-07:00

We had a bbq session last weekend at Bob's place in Claymont, Delaware since our old friend, Amir & family were in town. They used to live in New Jersey but they move to Savannah, Georgia last summer.

It was a bright day with a bit of wind gust but it didn't stop us to bbq outside with all the stuffs already being marinated the day before.

My significant other took her turn to jaga the bbq and curi2 ate the ribs when I wasnt looking

We bbqued lamb ribs, chicken, sirloin steaks, fish, hawtdawg and cow bowel. I didn't really fancy the bowel, because it tasted like a roasted wet towel.

The career dudes : Riu Baring, Amir Johor & Bob discussing about retirement, investment and Obama healthcare plan

But the ribs and chickens bbq were out of this world. Love it. All marinating process are done by Bob the host. I only accompanied him buying those stuffs at halal food and pinpointing which one to buy the day before =))

The busy backyard of Bob's

I think it was quite a lof of bbq we stuffed ourselves that day and I tried not to bother the calories that I consumed.

What I did, just try to close my eyes, put the stuffs in my mouth, chew, swallowed and enjoyed the tasty tender oily fatty meat that about to be in my digestion system.

The toddlers enjoying themselves playing hopschotch

So this weekdays I have my gym schedule occupied, for me to get rid all those fat, oil and calories that I purposely ignored at the first place. Serve me right.

Spring Fishing Trip

2010-03-24T09:05:00.000-07:00

It was a beautiful first day of Spring last Saturday. At last, it's Spring! Yeah! the most awaited season of all, after the suffering with the freezing winter.

the morning view of Hopewell Lake, French Creek State Park

We welcomed the Spring by going to fishing at French Creek State Park in Lancaster Country, just out suburb of Philadelphia County.

The county is also known as a Dutch Country and it only takes 45 minutes drive from our place in Philadelphia.

the creek

It blessed with the natural delights intermingle with the hand-plowed farm of the Amish people and where the infamous Hershey Chocolate factory is located.

First hot coffee in the cold spring morning

Zaki called me up the day before, asking me to go fishing with him and Apek at the creek. They picked us up early in the morning that was 6.30am and we all headed straight ahead to Lancaster County.

Zaki and Apek - high spirited angler

the fishing permit and you will be fined if you are caught fishing without the permit

We were the earliest birds to arrive there and it was still cold but the morning scenery by the lake was stunning.

With the sun just rose between the naked forest branches in its golden shiny light and to inhale fresh air from the forest, it was one hell of the best feeling.

waiting and waiting for the bait to be eaten by the bass and trouts

And on top of it, knowing the winter has passed, it was the greatest feeling after all!

reading books + the morning fresh breeze

After choosing the best location to cast trouts & bass and prepared the fishing rod, we had our breakfast by the lake at the pier.

It was a hot nasik lemak prepared by Zaki & Apek's special sambal.

the best breakfast of the year

Fishing Rod = USD50
Fishing Permit = USD20 / year
Car Fuel = USD20

Nasik Lemak + By The Lake + 1st Day of Sping + Awesome Companions = PRICELESS

the pier : our fishing spot

I didn't really fishing, instead, I spent most of the time enjoying the view of the placid lake with my significant other.

the spooky loo in the woods

We roamed around the lake, enjoying our moment together with tranquil scenery, just by ourselves.

the avid angler : he fed the ducks a lot

the picnic table provided by the lake authority

At the end of the day, we didn't get any fish, we lost quite a number of our artificial baits and I burnt my face after being nakedly exposed to the sunlight.

But we had a great outdoor day and the most important thing, it is Spring!

the Park Ranger checking out on us

But Apek still look disappointed though. I guess he prefer fish than spring and sun.

Relationship : Gas Control Management

2010-03-18T08:59:00.001-07:00

My wife is a reserve and no nonsense type of person. She doesn't complain much and to hear her nagging, is like twice a year. What can I ask more? It's the biggest bless for me to have her as my significant other.

But recently she complained that I'm not as hypervigilant as I was when we were still dating last time.

It's like, that I'm not that sensitive anymore and not really listening to her [I think it's men's global problem, not only me]. I took it seriously and we figured it out together after that.

One of the issue of my lack of sensitivity according to her is fart. Yes fart. She complained that nowadays I farted anywhere and anytime I want, even at her presence.

Which I never did when we were still dating [that what she think eheh].

Michael Cunningham of University of Louisville studied relationship annoyance found that people suppress their irritating behaviours early in the dating process but allow them to emerge once they're in a commited relationship.

The studies show "people pay attention to what they have to put attention to. When you are dating, you're hypervigilant , once there are commitment, you feel entitled to relax"

That explains very well but I have my own explaination that is more scientific and logical.

I know its gross to fart in front of people and it's not that I'm not sensitive anymore as she claimed.

It's just that when we were still dating, we only met roughly 3 times a week, and every date will be lasted for 3 hours, at least.

All together, roughly we spent only 9 hours per week. So I can limit and try my best to control my bowel movement and the gas emmisions at her presence when we were going out within that 9 hours / week.

But after kawin, we are spending almost the whole of our time together, day in day out, week in week out.

So it's almost a mission impossible for me to control the bowel movement and gas all the time or else I will have problem with my digestion process and the colon will get stress. Trust me, I know, coz I tried. My best.

And to go to the other room just for a sake of releasing the gas, it sounds not really practical and it will distract my focus on whatever things I'm trying to focus on [such as watching tv, reading books or playing games].

It's worst if you have bloating problem.

I know it doesn't sound convincing, but it makes sense. She seem to accept it but I know deep inside of her, she thinks that is lame and I'm an idiot haha.

Knowing her no nonsense attitude, I think she will let me slip away this time. And I will try the very best of me, to put the emissions on the silent mode.

Thats the best I can do for the time being and we'll see how it goes.

Cemetery Hang Out

2010-03-16T17:27:00.001-07:00

We always passed by this cemetery every time we went for a drive at Kelly Drive instead of Schuykill Highway, from Philly Downtown to our place in City Avenue.

It's located on the hill off Kelly Drive and it is such a nice place to visit and we kept reminding each other that we will someday hang out at the cemetery. Finally the day had came and it was last weekend.

Laurel Hill Cemetery was built in 1836. And it is not an ordinary cemetery site as we found out that this cemetery is the second largest rural cemetery in the United States.

It was designated as National History Landmark in 1998. One of only a few cemeteries to receive the distinction.

If you already watched the recent Jamie Foxx and Gerard Butler's movie, The Law Abiding Citizen, they had one of the scene at this cemetery.

The part when the District Attorney's vehicle exploded. How cool is that? Explosion between the tombstones.

This 74 acres site has 33000 monuments all together. With a sculpted hillside tombs and rows of obelisks, this cemetery site is one big 74 acres of art gallery.

It amazed us to see how people are willing to spend hundreds of thousands just for a sake of building monuments for someone who is no longer breathing on this earth.

Located above the Schuykill River, it is such a nice feeling to stroll around between the grave tombs. We had the cemetery all for our selves since there we nobody else there except for a couple with their joyful dogs.

We spent almost an hour at the site, enjoying the view from the top of the hill and it was one breathtaking view I can say. A view from the eyes of the other side of the world.

We will leave the earth someday but I do not wish my graveyard to be as overly-lavished as the ones that we seen at this Laurel Hill Cemetery.

I just want one small wooden tombstone on my grave with my name written on it with small Verdana and Jawi font.

PDA Discrimination

2010-03-14T20:51:00.000-07:00

I'm fine with PDA - Public Display of Affection. Which a couple physically demonstrating their affection for another person while in the view of others.

Holding hands, hugging, touching and pampering each others, kissing your couple etc. it is just the one of the way people showing their significant other their love.

DC Mall, Washington DC

I'm ok with that and it's none of my business if anybody want to do their own PDA. It is a common view here, people displaying their affection. It's just their custom and they proud of it.

Just that I'm not that comfortable with homosexual dude displaying their affection in public, to be exact in front of me. It looks so wrong.

Washington Square, New York City

Looking at a couple of men, french kissing and hugging each other passionately on the bench in the middle of the park, trust me, it is not the best panoramic view in the world.

But I'm slidely [read : totally] ok with the female homosexual PDA. And don't ask why. I'm just fine with that.

Goodbye Winter. I'm not Gonna Miss You.

2010-03-12T10:39:00.000-08:00

It has been a while since the last time I jotted down something on the blog. I was just being lazy, I guess.

It's one more week to go for officially Spring! Yeah! Just can't wait for the spring and I'm sick of winter.

The chilliness, the subzero temperature, the limited mobility and the top of the list I hate most is, the dryness of the air and the super low humidity. It makes the skin dry and my nassal inflammed, especially at night.

The heat from the heater worsen the dryness. I hate it to wake up in the morning, just to find out my throat and nassal are damn dry and painful. And frequently, it comes together with the nosebleed. Darn it*

Well it is end of winter, and this will be our last winter before heading back home on this coming summer. Just can't wait for the Spring and enjoy the nice weather and colorful scenery, when the flowers and trees will start to bloom. Can't wait.

p.s : Those are pics taken at Kelly Drive, Philadelphia recently, on the finest day of winter this season. Just 5 minutes walk from our place. Love it there.

Weekend Cheap Sledding : Between Fun and Butt Concussion

2010-02-08T06:26:00.000-08:00

It was another enormous snow blizzard hitting our area again last weekend, paralyzing the whole 4 states, forcing the authorities to declare State Emergency.

The ran amok blizzard brought along more than 2 feet of powdering snow covering the ground and with the sunny day after the blizzard, it was a perfect combination for SLEDDING! Yeah!

We went to our friend's place, Bob & Aifa's in Claymont, Delaware which located 20 miles south of Philadelphia, spending our good Sunday at their place together with Zaki, a working dude from Valley Forge

Awaiting at Bob's place, were Irfan, the Temple Uni guy and Fendi, the UPenn chap.

Irfan & Fendi fooling around in the snow at Bob's backyard

Going sledding was an impromptu idea. We just finished watching EPL game in the morning, and while having lunch somebody came out with the idea of sledding.

Everybody agreed and after lunch, we were ready going for sledding.

Thick powdering of 24 inches snow [checked!]
sunny day [checked!]
suitable attire [snowcaps, gloves, snowboots, snowpants, snowproof jackets etc [checked!]

All set to go! Just 2 small problems.

One, we didn't have sleds and second, we didn't know where the sledding spot are around Claymont . Whose idea was that to go for a sled again? Brilliant.

The plastic sled

So we spent our first hour of sledding session, hopping from store to store in Claymont and Wilmington, looking for the sleds.

Ironically, all stores were out of sleds. I just can't believed it forgodsake!

The actual sled that we were looking for

We ended up buying 2 cheap inflatable air pocket plastic floats. Well, it was better than nothing since we were running out of time.

Zaki & Bob figuring out how to blow the float

Using iPhone place finder apps and gps, we managed to find the nearest place for sledding.

It is Rockford Park of Delaware which is located just 15 minutes away from Claymont.

Zaki : Practise makes perfect

When we arrived there, the hilly park was already packed with sledders especially kids.

The lone hill, with the height of almost 3 stories building and the ride from the top to the flat ground is about 100 feet long. It looks fun!

The Rockford Park Sledding Hill

After making sure the plastic floats were loaded with enough air, we went sledding down the hill by taking turns. It was fun!

Fendi's first attempt

Eventhough it was not as fast and long as the toboggan slide, but with the average speed of the sled surfed down from the sloppy hill, it was ridiculously awesome!

We found a carton box and used it as the alternative sled. It was not bad I can tell you.

Zaki's first attempt with the box sled

Eventhough we did look a lil bit awkward with everybody else using the real sled, rubber tube and snowboard. But who cares? As long we have fun!

and Zaki's first accident. Makan snow!

Just one thing. Since the floats are not made for sledding, it easily got flat due to our weight and heavy duty usage. We had to pump the floats from time to time after sledding down.

Bob sledding down the hill with the float

Tough job of climbing up the hill and the float was no more float. It transformed into tikar.

We had to pump it up over and over again. The implication of using float as sled.

But it never stopped us, we had a lot of fun, just like other "kids" around us. Heh.

"I think these Asians are freak I tell ya" whispered the kid to his friend

Smooth sled with the rubber tube.

The result of using flat plastic float and a carton box as a substitute for sleds?

I had bruised chest and a painful butt afterward! Argh... I'm sure the rest are having the same impact too or worse?

Race time!

We went back when it was almost dark with crunching belly, shivering of coldness, watery nose and painful concussion butt.

Well, that is the cost we have to pay for not using the appropriate equipment but the pain will cure. But the fun? It will be remembered for ages. Awesome.

And I'm still having problem to sit down properly.

The Best Ever Fish & Chips : A Salt & Battery of NYC

2010-02-05T13:56:00.000-08:00

If you are a big fan of Food Network Channel in Astro, I bet you know who Bobby Flay is. He is a celebrity chef that has his own tv program in the cable which includes FoodNation, Boy Meets Grill, BBQ with Bobby Flay, Grill it! With Bobby Flay, Iron Chef etc.

Bobby Flay da man

But our [actually it's my wife's] favorite program of his is "Throwdown! With Bobby Flay". In this program, in every episode Bobby Flay challenges cooks who are renowned for their specific dish or type of cooking to a cook-off their signature dish.

During the competition, both chefs prepare their particular version of the dish, and both are then will be evaluated by local judges to determine the winner. Sounds fun 'eh?

In season 2 Episode 5, Flay challenged Matt Arnfield from New York City, the owner of A Salt & Battery and his infamous signature dish, Fish & Chip.

Matt Arnfield won this competition.

Matt Arnfield & Bobby Flay the Iron Chef

We bet his fish & chip must be very very very good, since he beat Bobby Flay in a throwdown! =)

Since we were in Manhattan, New York City last Fall, we took that opportunity to search for A Salt & Battery shop that is located in West Village, Manhattan to try the fish & chips ourselves.

After strolling around in Brooklyn and Greenwich Village the whole day, in the evening we headed to West Village by foot for a search mission of that place.

The shop from outside

We found the place which is located in the working class area of West Village, Manhattan. An authentic English fish & chips shop. Surprisingly, the place is not as grand as we thought.

It's only a tiny shop with few chairs and one long cornered table inside the place. Most of the costumers were ordering for to go. That impressed us. This must be good.

The shop, this time from inside and the only table

So we ordered ourselves their infamous haddock and halibut fish & chips. Add with some salt and tartar sauce, there we were, on the real treat.

Ordering for the best fish & chips. Authentic and typical wall of English fish & chips shop.

The fish was superdelicious. The crispy batter reduce to softness by stages, fried without being too greasy. The chips? It was amazing. Crispy and thick, with juicy and tender in the inside.

Together with the tartar sauce, it was a dynamite! My mouth is watering just by thinking of it again.

We came just because of you

So that was our dinner for that night. After spending almost an hour in the shop, enjoying every piece of the best fish & chips we have ever had.

My significant other and her baby sister enjoying every single piece of the delicacy

We left the shop and continue walking towards Chelsea area before heading back to Mid Town Manhattan using subway, where we we stayed for the whole week.

Walking back, looking for the subway station in Chelsea, Manhattan Island of New York City

And Bobby Flay, at least you lose to the best. Nothing to be ashamed about it =))

Legalize Marijuana?

2010-02-04T15:06:00.001-08:00

How you can tell somebody has been using marijuana?

There are some signs you might be able to see. If someone is high on marijuana, he or she might :

seem dizzy and have trouble walking;
seem silly and giggly for no reason;
have very red, bloodshot eyes; and
have a hard time remembering things that just happened

When the early effects fade, the user can become very HUNGRY and sleepy.

Note :

In U.S., there are 14 states which legally aprroved marijuana for medical use. So how harm is marijuana can be?

My wife and I recently watched on TV, a tv program about legalizing marijuana for the State of Pennsylvania.

One of the panel, a medical profesor from UPenn quoting, "well, the marijuana effect for human health is not that much". Does it shows how disharmful marijuana is?

You tell me =)

Women & the Mysterious Habit

2010-02-01T11:22:00.001-08:00

Coach - bought last month

Cole Haan - bought recently at Milwaukee

Coach - bought recently at Milwaukee

Marc Jacob - Bought end of last Summer

Banana Republic - bought last Fall

All the bags above are new and my wife never used any of them yet. One of the bag, she bought it from online and the others, we bought it from outlets in Philadelphia and Milwaukee.

She only use two [2] handbags all this while.

The old black Gap handbag that she bought at OU back in Malaysia to go to class.
The other one is the Furla handbag for non-class purposes.

Furla - the first handbag she bought in US and always carry around. most of the time. all the time.

The "funny" part is that, most of the time, when we go out, she will throw all her stuffs including her purse, lipstick, lip gloss, hand sanitizer, sunglasses etc into my backpack and she will jalan berlenggang. [erk..??]

My poor backpack. My wife has her own compartment in this backpack.

Here's the thing, eventhough she already has a bunch of UNUSED handbags excluding those that we left back in Malaysia, she is still keen to buy more handbags and spend hours and hours looking at handbags online shopping websites. [??]

Well I guess, there are things that should be left unexplained and don't even ask why. Especially when it comes to women and their shopping habits. PEACE*

Because you will not get any acceptable justification and you never will. And I still don't understand.

Winter & Mee Jawa Dream

2010-01-30T11:24:00.000-08:00

Winter is not our favorite season and it's -6 deg celcius today. The cold makes you feel lazy to move around and always feel want to spend the whole day to be underneath your blanket, or to be particular, my precious green fleece.

The other thing you always want to do and keep doing it during winter is to eat. At this time, your body system will cry for more food most of the time in order to generate heat for your body.

It's not a surprise if by the end of the season, you will gain weight more than you expected.

You will always crave to have something that you can't get. In my case, I kept having flash backs the Mee Jawa that we had when we were in Miri last summer.

The taste? I swear to God, the mee jawa is the best we have ever had for the whole of our eating history! It was so delicious, I kept dreaming about that mee jawa after that.

The havenly delicious mee jawa of Kampung Pulau Melayu, Miri

This stall is located next to no. 9 hole of Miri Golf Club near Kampung Pulau Melayu, Miri. And the locals call this place the " 9th hole warung". Hmm.. a great name for a great food they serve.

The kampung warung concept that a value added for the ambience

Usually, the Sarawak's mee jawa gravy is made solely from sweet potatoes. Same goes to this mee jawa, except that it is cooked together with cow meat & bones. I just can't describe how delicious this mee jawa was.

It was like an electric static shock with the euphoria sensation right after the first drop of the gravy touched my tongue. I hope they didn't put weed in this delicacy. heh =)

The warung hole no. 9 viewed from the parking near the green of hole no. 9

Me and my wife even plan to go back to Miri just to have that Mee Jawa again when we are back in Malaysia this coming summer.

It usually take almost 10 hours to drive from Kuching, our hometown to Miri or 1 hour flight. But it won't be the reason to stop us from getting back there and eat 3 plates of that mee jawa.

But the latest info we get from my wife's brother who lives in Miri, the owner had recently passed away and the mee jawa is not as good as the last time after his death. Maybe the owner didn't inherit the secret recipe to his descendant, he added.

Hmmm... It was a big blow for our plan. Now we will never have another chance to have the same exact mee jawa again.

How I wish he left the recipe to somebody relevant. Now he brought together the recipe of the havenly mee jawa to haven. Where it belongs.

Washington Monument of Washington D.C

2010-01-28T20:08:00.000-08:00

Washington Monument is always be our favourite monument. It's located near the west end of Washington Mall, in Washington DC. Rising high as the iconic landmark and tallest building in the city.

Standing at 169.24 meters as the tallest stone structure in the world, this magnificent obelisk was made from marble, granite and sandstone, and was completed in 1885.

We have been to Washington D.C a few times since it is just less than 2 hours drive to get there from Philadelphia. The monument has been our favorite spot everytime we had our long end to end walk at the 1.6km National Mall.

But during our third visit last Fall, together with my wife's sister, Sherina and hubby, Johan , the trip was a special one. We had the opportunity of a lifetime to get into the monument and had a 360 degrees view of Washington D.C from the highest spot in the city.

My significant other and her baby sister

Before that, I never thought of having the opportunity to get into the monument since everytime we passed by, there will be a long queue of visitors waiting for their turn to go up to the top of the monument.

This pic was taken on our first visit in summer 2 years ago

The monument from Lincoln Memorial

Unless you have extra time and patient, then it should be fine for you to join the queue and wait for your turn. Since they limit the visitors to go in on a specific time, it will take quite some time to acquire an entrance.

The East View : Capitol Hill and other great museums at the National Mall

The North View : The White House and Downtown DC

But, on that morning, Johan luckily got the extra tickets to visit the monument for an afternoon visit. Yeah!

So after spending our morning strolling around the west end of the National Mall, including the Lincoln Monument and Korean War Veteran Memorial, we headed towards Washington Mall excitingly.

the west view : 1901

The West View : 1920

After queuing for approx. 10 minutes, so off we went to the top. However, we were not allowed to take picture at the checking line at the bottom of the monument maybe because of the security purposes. I guess so.

The West View : Lincoln Memorial and the Reflection Pool

The South View : Potomac River and the Pentagon

Once on the top, we can view through the small windows from every side of the monument at the aerial angel. A very spectacular view of Washington D.C.

the small window at each side of the monument for sightseeing purposes. So small but yet, so many visitors waiting for their turn.

So these are the pics that we took for that rare opportunity visit of ours.

My sweet inlaws : Sherina & Johan, the honeymooners

Chicago En Route & The Low Cost Flight

2010-01-26T13:34:00.000-08:00

Flight : US Airways [the cheapest one on the line I could find]

ETD : 3.05pm from Philadelphia International Airport

ETA : 5.00pm at Chicago O'hare International Airport

We woke up early, since we planned to get to the airport early and try to get an earlier flight on the waiting list status, after being told by my friend that we could do that for free. So without taking breakfast, off we go to the bus stop.

waiting for the bus in the subzero temp

It was one hell of a winter morning, the temperature was -10 deg celcius , there we were, shivering at the bus stop on Sunday morning.

After 15 minutes of waiting and my significant other almost got a frostbite nose, the bus came and we headed towards 30th Street Station, Philadelphia Train Station in the city.

It's only 10 minutes ride from our place to the city and on Sunday, it is shorter than that.

the 30th Street Station from across the street

We arrived at the station at 8am with the station already busy with its usual routine. The long queue of taxis at the entrance and the crowd of people in this enormous 1928 built station.

the 30th Street Station west entrance

It has a neo-classical exterior design with high coffered ceiling and beautiful art deco chandeliers. Outstanding architecture especially for a building which was built in the Great Depression Era.

The magnificent design of the interior

After we bought 2 tickets of Philadelphia Airport 8.34am regional train, we had our breakfast while waiting for the train. Two fresh baked bavarian doughnuts each from Dunkin Donuts and hot coffees.

Haven! After being freezing before that while waiting for the bus.

the breakfast

The train arrived on time, and we had 20 minutes ride to the airport. A short and scenic view of a ride. With white snow still blanketing the ground and bushes, frozen lake and stream all the way from the city to the airport.

while waiting for the train

While enjoying the view, I kept wondering, what the heck was I thinking heading to Chicago in this kind of weather for our winter vacation? Once in a while, I looked at my wife who sat beside me. I bet she was thinking the same thing too.

the view from the train on the way to the airport

We arrived at the airport before 9.00am and we rushed to the check-in counter to register ourselves for an earlier flight instead of the initial 3.05pm flight.

I've checked online the night before, there will be 10.05am, 11,05am and 1.05pm flights. Hopefully we can get a slot in any of those.

the airport gallery

After asking the old guy who was in-charged at the counter, he told us that we need to pay USD50 for that purpose. So it will be USD100 for both of us.

Yo??!! I'll no pay no more for the flight fee. We are a cheapskate travelers, and cheapskate won't pay for unnecessary cost.

the frustrating check in, in the progress

But we still need to pay USD25 for our oversized backpack that has to be put in the luggage. Gheezzzz,* I thought bags fly free? I thought only Airasia charge extra bags?

The terminal

the terminal window shopping while waiting for the flight

So we spent our whole morning till 305pm roaming around the airport terminal while waiting for our flight time. We went into every store and shop in the terminal, and some of the stores we went twice.

one of the foodcourt in the terminal

We hang out at the lazy chair provided, and all together we made 4 rounds of window shopping for the whole terminal before departed.

the view from our departure gate

our fellow passengers while waiting at the gate

Well, thank God the airlines in US usually really emphasize on time and rare to be late. Unlike Airasia that tecnhnically, based on my experience flying with Airasia back in Malaysia, they never NOT late.

It is part of their slogan "Now everyone can fly [and get delay]". I bet you ever had the same experience with Airasia, if you don't, you must be a loyal MAS passenger then =).

Look, I'm not being unpatriotic, but after more than a dozen experience of being delayed and spending more than double dozen of hours waiting for the delay Airasia's flights.

It pissed me off, and I'm sure I'm not alone, hundred of thousands of their frequent delayed passengers feel the same way too, really =)

But it is undeniable, their price is out of this world. But it shouldn't be your excuse to get your flight delay anytime you like.

Anyway anyhow, they are still my airline of choice since they are the cheapest in the market. Just need to be prepared to have an extra leisure time to be wasted at the airport while waiting for their future "confirm" delay flight. And Tony Fernandez, you da man!

Waiting for our USD25 service worth of luggage at O'hare International Airport

Oh what the heck. Back to our original intended entry, so we arrived at O'hare International Airport of Chicago at 5.00pm, and it was windy, with thick snow outside and -14 degrees Celcius, chillier than our morning in Philadelphia.

Well, at least we arrived safely and ready for one more adventure of us in freezing Mid West region. Go Cheapskate Travellers!

Toboggan Slide : The Double Butterflies in The Belly

2010-01-22T18:29:00.000-08:00

the classic bobsled

On our second day in Fort Wayne, we went for a toboggan run at Pokagon State Park located 1 hour drive from Fort Wayne. I didn't have any idea at the first place what on earth is toboggan run, even after Nora's detail explaination. Until we reached there.

Welcome to Toboggan Slide of Pokagon State Park, Indiana

We saw a long queue of people carrying sleds waiting for their turn. When we got closer to the tower, I saw a half a mile long double tracks from the towering launcher on the top of the hill. So that is toboggan run or slide they were talking about.

The long queue of an exciting tobaggon sliders

Toboggan is a traditional slide, made of bound, parallel woods slats, all bent forward at the front to form a sideways "J" shape. There is a thin rope, run to the top of the loop for steering purposes. Something like bobsled, but with a basic built.

Personally, the view is not that intriguing for me. Heh.

My significant other was so excited to go for it and same goes with Nora. Mya, also wanted to have a ride. So we bought a ticket, and went up for it.

Ready for launch

After a long queue carrying the heavy sled, we reached the launch spot and we can hear the loud scream of the sliders right after they were being released from the top. Gulp*

The view from the tower top of the launcher. A half mile double tracks of toboggan ride.

I ever tried rollercoaster before and I'm ok with it. I just don't fancy the sensation of the post ride because I will easily get myself to throw up aftermath. But at least roller coaster, we will restrain to the sit.

But toboggan, there is no seat, no safety belt or whatsoever. Just a thin rope at the side to hold and we have to lean to the people at the back.

Roller coaster. gambar hiasan. It has nothing to do with me.

Since I was the only guy, so I had to be the last person at the back and I will have no one for me to lean back to. Gulp* [part II]. You know what I'm saying?

Few second before launching. The operators were making sure, everybody on the right position and the last person have enough fingers to grip the thin rope at the side of the slide

I can feel the butterfly flew freely in my stomach right after all 4 of us sat on the sled. There was no turning back and off we go pushed by the operators in charged.

Travelling with a speeds of 45mph, it was a free sliding of 40 seconds @ half a mile ride from the top of the tower.

Arif & his brothers on the run. The other Malaysian group from Fort Wayne who joined us that day.

I tried hard to open my eyes and grap tight the rope. After several seconds, hey! It was not bad. It was freezing and and my eyes were watery because of the cold wind blowing hard from the front. [yeah rite].

The tracks. at the half way.

I was too excited till I cant scream, just enjoying the speed and try to balance myself from not to be rolled out from the sled haha. And in the same time, tried hard not to swallow my wife's hair that kept wiping at my face.

We had to bring back the heavy sled manually, to the top of the hill half a mile away. And it was not in 40 seconds I must say.

Err..It was fun! Eventhough my hands were numb because I had to hold the rope tightly, very very tight in deed, since I was the last person at the back. It was a big relief to reach the end of the track.

Mya : She has guts. She was so excited and wanted more everytime we done with each ride. I think she should be the last person at the back =))

But the relief didn't last longer, the 3 of them excitingly & consensusly, screamed together to have one more ride. Gulp* [part III]

The butterflies came back. And this time, they were more colorful than the first one.

6 Degrees of Separation : The Shrinking World

2010-01-21T21:19:00.000-08:00

Do you ever heard of the theory of 6 Degrees of Separation? This theory refers to the idea that, everyone on earth is just 6 steps away from each person who is known by one of the people they know.

Confusing? Refer to the following illustration. I read about this theory long time ago and I believe in it's concept.

From Chicago, we drove 5 hours to Fort Wayne, Indiana visiting my wife's friend, Nora who's pursuing her study there. At that night, we were invited to Nora's friends place for dinner. The host was, a Malaysian lady who married to an American, a very lovely and kind couple.

Kak Zainah : preparing the food for our dinner

While having our dinner, we had dinner table chit chat, sharing our experience and how we missed Malaysia, especially the food. Then the lady, Kak Zainah as I call her, told us that she is from Keramat and specificly explained to us where her parent's place is, which is somewhere at the Keramat LRT Station.

Having the delicacy dinner at Kak Zainah's place

I just spontaneously told her that one of my best friend in campus is from that area too since I remembered I ever been to his house somewhere at current Keramat LRT station when we were still studied back in mid 90s.

Mr. Iskandar, the cool host and the hardcore fan of Minneapolis Viking with Rhino the cat

She asked me what his name is, and I told her. She looked stun and asked me whats the name again, twice! And guess what? My best friend aka my ex-roommate back in campus time is her youngest brother. hahaha. What a small world.

The lovely home of Kak Zainah & Mr. Iskandar

Out of many places, I met my best friend's sister in out of nowhere in the little city of Fort Wayne, Indiana of North America continent. What a small world man. The world is shrinking I must say. The theory of 6 Degrees of Separation is well proven. At least in my case =)

Chicago : The so called Winter Trip

2010-01-20T08:43:00.000-08:00

Typically, people will have their winter vacation at warmer places. In case for the Americans, they will fly south to Florida or other Caribbean and South American countries in the process of their escapism from the wild freezing winter in up north.

View Larger Map

But we did vice versa. We went to the Midwest for our winter trip, specifically The Freaking Freezing Chicago. The city is well-known as The Windy City, and I must say, that is the best descriptive nick name for this city.

The Famous Sears Tower. Used to be the tallest building in the world, before being overtook by our Petronas Twin Tower.

The City of American 44th President, Barrack Obama, and where the TV daytime talk show mogul operating her show, Oprah Winfrey. And if you still remember, Al Capone who was the King of Notorious Streets in Chicago back in 1920s.

The Face at Millenium Park. It is a graphic wall that change faces every minutes in reflection of the diversity of Chicago

It is windy all year round, maybe because of the city is located just at the shore of Michigan Lake. In winter, the wind and gust PLUS the subzero temperature, it is a lethal combination for us.

The Cloud Gate at the Millenium Park. I called it a butang, but my wife didn't agree. She said, it doesn't look like butang at all. Got what butang like that, a rare butang it is =))

We just didn't bother about it, and armored with thermal pants and 4 layer of shirts and covered with the thickest winter jacket plus snow boots, we got ourselves ready to explore the city. And we did it eventhough it was -10 deg celcius at our first day touring around the city.

The Cloud Gate is a public sculpture by Indian born British artist, Anish Kapoor. He was inspired by liquid mercury in designing this sculpture and the sculpture reflection is big enough for you to take picture with the city background as your wallpaper. Cool.

The Frozen Lake at Chicago Harbor. There was no one there when we were walking at the lakeside. Maybe it was the office hours or maybe it was too cold. I don't know but we enjoyed ourselves.

But too bad, the weather were not really in our favor when we were there. It was cloudy & snowy during the whole trip. The sun was too shy to come out and help us out to get the nice & bright pictures of Chicago. Too Bad.

at Butler Field with the backgroud of the Loop, Chicago Downtown

The Wringley Building. Built by William Wringley Jr., the chewing gum magnate in 1920 and the first air-conditioned office building

Hence most the pictures taken are gloomy. Well that is the price we need to pay since it is winter, and it is not advisable to visit the city in this season. We just wanted to feel how winter is like in Chicago anyway. And we got what we want =) A gloomy, freezing and wet trip.

The historical Water Tower Building. Built in 1869 as the 2nd water tower in United States after the one at Louisville.

The chilly weather didn't stop us to explore the city eventhough we didn't cover the entire city but we managed to stroll around The Loop or The Downtown, then Millenium Park and Chicago Harbor Area before walking up to the Magnificent Mile Shopping Haven, at The North Loop on the first day.

Chicago Cruise at Chicago River. We were told the best way to explore the city is by the water taxi river cruise. So we planned to take the water taxi to have a city architectural building tour but the service was freezed because of the frozen river. Darn it.

The frozen river. And no water taxi for us. Now you know what I meant.

The second downtown trip we covered the South Harbor including The Planetarium, Hedd Aquarium, Butler Park & Grant Park, then to Chinatown. Next up all the way to the North, to the famous Navy Pier.

The double decker Metra train suburban bound. The one we took to go to downtown from Schaumburg with 40 minutes ride each. Very comfee and punctual one.

The train upper deck view

While waiting for the bus at downtown, heading to South Harbor

At Adler Planeterium at South Harbor. They charged entrance fee for USD25 per entry, but that day it was free!

The Chicago Aquarium at South Harbor with the background of the downtown

Hot dog stall at Grant Park. I like New York hotdog more.

Chicago Metro Subway to Chinatown.

The entrance of Chicago Chinatown. I don't know why, but we found out this Chinatown is way cooler and slowpace than other Chinatown we have been including New York, Washington DC and Philadelphia's Chinatown.

The main street of Chicago Chinatown

It was so cold, even the durian at Chinatown is frozen. We never tasted the frozen durian. It looks so not inviting. heh.

We crashed at my friend's family place in Schaumburg, which is about 30 minutes ride from Downtown. A very friendly and lovely couple, Sam & Bejak with their 2 adorable daughters, Mya, 6 & Sheryl, 4.

The Sam & Bejak's place in Schaumburg.

The husband is from the same kampung with me back in Kuching but currently working as an engineer in Chicago. It was good to have somebody you know from the same kampung, here in this foreign continent. Talking about our hometown and the people, just like old days =)

Waiting for Mya's school bus in front of the apartment

It was a very chilly 10 days trip and we enjoyed it very much. We also had 5 hours roadtrip to Fort Wayne, the 2nd largest city in Indiana, visited my wife's friend who is studying there. I will upload more regarding the trip.

The view of Sam & Bejak's backyard from Mya & Sheryl bedroom window. There is supposed to be a lake but it was covered by snow and frozen ice.

Mya at Fort Wayne City Hall, Indiana.

For the time being, I just wanna rest and recharge, enjoy lying on my long missed futon at home. Yeah, there is no other place like home!

Especially when you have been away for too long =)) At least Philly is not as cold and windy like Chicago, which is around -2 to 4 deg celcius [only] =)). Anyway, Philly Rock!

Anniversary & The Windy City

2010-01-13T11:56:00.000-08:00

there are only few who are so lucky
to have something that I do
companionship & friendship
and love feeling too

when we found each other
I gained the the finest prize

a companion to share life's joy
a friend who lightens burdens

when we found each other
I embraced the love I had dreamed of
the source of endless pleasure
and memories to treasure

and our Anniversary will be the day for us to remember
the day we found each other

Happy Anniversary hunn. XOXOX

The Cloud Gate at Millenium Park, Downtown Chicago

It's still winter break, and we are now in Chicago and celebrated our anniversary in Chicago Downtown. The windy city and in winter, it's even gustier and very freaking cold.

We will be here till next week and will explore the city more, eventhough it is -10 deg outside. Till then.

Millenium Park : Chicago

The River Series of Mine

2010-01-07T15:47:00.000-08:00

I noticed that I have quite a number of rivers pictures in my collection. Either it Malaysian river, or this other side of the world river. I'm not going to repeat the same thing about my interest on river since I already explained it in my recent entry =) You might be tired of my verbatim word by word quote.

So again, here I would like to share my humble collection of river pictures and again from my humble digital compact Sony camera except for a few pics from my talented sister in law because I like the pics so much. =) This time, it's American rivers.

The boathouses at Schuykill River - pic taken by my sis in law. Nice ey?

RIVER 1 :Our current apartment is located just a few minutes walk to the Schuykill River. They categorize this river as a designated Pennsylvania Scenic River. I'm not really sure what does it means, but obviously it has a very beautiful scenic river should have.

Philadelphia Museum of Art that is located just next to the river bank with Philly skyscrappers at the background - taken by my sister in law

It's very clean and each river bank provide trails for pedestrians, joggers, cyclists, rollerbladers and other recreational activities.

One of the bridge crossing the beautiful scenic river at the end of Fall season

This river is very famous for watersports enthusiasts namely the annual rowing boats tournament and is also a permanent spot for Philadelphia's famous university rowing teams as training spots.

The Schuykill River boathouses - taken by my sister in law. Nice ey?

RIVER 2 :Last summer, we went to have seafood at Havre de Grace, in Maryland. It took us almost one and the half hour from Philadelphia to get there.

The railbridge of Havre de Grace - just for the train

It's located at the headwaters of Cheasapeake Bay and the outlet of Sasquehanna River which makes it famous for water recreation especially fishing.

The anglers of Sasquehanna River, Havre de Grace

They served very delightful seafood and their specialty is the famous Maryland Crab. We had a whole dozen of pepper crab and I ended up being admitted to the hospital due to allergic reaction. Darn it! haha

The famous Maryland Crab - only craps left. Few minutes before I got my face swollen.

RIVER 3 :Wissahickon Creek is a stream located at northwest of Philadelphia before emptying into Schuykill River and only few minutes walk from our place.

The old bridge of Wissahickon Creek

This creek is also famous for the Historical Battle of Germantown in American Revolution Era between the British and the revolution guerrillas. Cool eh?

The stream at one of the large point

The stream view in Wissahickon Creek during Fall season.

But now it's famous for its recreational spots and beautiful trails along the stream for the cyclists and joggers. It is so beautiful and serene, especially during Spring and Fall season.

Not river pic. The Lim Sisters at Wissahickon Creek

RIVER 4 :And this is the sunset scene of Patomac River of Washington DC which I've posted an entry about our trip last time. We went to DC on new year day of last year before we went off to North Carolina for a road trip.

It was Winter and we were "enjoying" the chill at the Washington DC waterfront

Tired of crowded people in DC downtown and other tourist attractions in DC especially at the DC Mall and other museums, we decided to go some other place that we never been before.

The Patomac River sunset. Really serene.

The boats at DC Waterfront. A lot of them.

With the help of the GPS, we chosed to drive to DC Waterfront. When we arrived there, it was almost sunset and we had the whole waterfront just for ourselves except for the boatmen.

What an excellent timing. So we spent the whole evening there till dark enjoying the sunset [and the cold].

The lonely seagull that looked forward for the future. heh.

RIVER 5 : And finally, the East River of New York City. Technically, it's not a river but a tidal strait in New York City that separates Long Island, Brooklyn and Queens from Manhattan Island. We went to Williamsburg, in Brooklyn last fall with my sister in law and hubby for sightseeing.

Manhattan downtown view from Brooklyn riverbank

The slow morning with the great view of the Big Apple

From there, we can see the beautiful panoramic view of Manhattan. With the bright day and clear sky, I must say, the view was damn awesome.

We spent almost half day there, from early morning and ended our trip by walking across-ed the river with the frequently filmed famous bridge: the Brooklyn Bridge.

This Brooklyn Bridge picture was taken from Pier 7 on our first day in Manhattan

The Manhattan Bridge view from The Brooklyn Bridge was taken when we were on the way back from Brooklyn to Manhattan.

Sarawak River : A Different Dimension

2010-01-04T17:56:00.001-08:00

I always like river or canal or sea or any watery spots. It makes me feel serene each time I hang out at the riverbank watching the water flow slowly and all activities on it.

It is such a tranquil and beautiful feeling to watch the sun slowly sinking under the orange and red cloud, reflecting the beautiful silver shadow on the surface. Placid.

The view from Pengkalan Sapi, next to the Astana. The white building is the Astana Pier.

We like to sit and enjoy the riverview scene when we are back in Kuching, our hometown. Kuching is blessed for being located beside the Sarawak River.

This enchanting river is very synonym with the city and the people since it is used to be the main transportation highway and its importance for commercial values.

The view of Kuching from Pengkalan Sapi

I myself was born at my grandparents' house which is situated just beside the Sarawak River in a village right across from the Kuching City itself.

I used to learn swimming with my friends in this river when I was little and because of that, I frequently got chased by Mak with rotan once she found out about my mischievous act.

Perahu tambang. The traditional mode of transportation for the local people and foreigners alike to cross the river that still being sustain as Kuching heritage despite of the availability of bridges built to cross the river.

So this is my humble selected pictures collection of Sarawak River for me to share with you guys that was taken with my humble cheap Sony digital compact camera.

The new State Assembly Hall. I never like this building, it's too large and overshadow other iconic buildings of Kuching especially the Fort Magherita & Astana itself.

The Astana pier at sunset

The best way to enjoy the view. Fishing. This river is full with big blue prawns.

It only costs you 50 cents for a ride to cross the river with perahu tambang

The old buildings are no more, it has been demolished to make way for new waterfront

Part of the infamous Kuching Waterfront

Kuching City

Sarawak River sunset at Kuching Barrage

The Sarawak River angler at Kuching Barrage

Out to the sea

The Astana view from the waterfront

The Sarawak Regatta, every August, every year.

The Regatta from Kuching Waterfront

The inner side of the river : Semariang Batu

Semariang Batu - Fishermens' boats

Semariang Batu Pier - Hanging out

Semarian Batu - And the avid anglers off to fish

Penang part 2 : the Motorcycle's Diary vol 2

2010-01-02T13:57:00.001-08:00

Driving in Penang for outsiders is not a really bright idea. The narrow streets, high volume of vehicles and the most crucial factor is, how "polite" the Penang drivers are.

And riding a motorbike? It was a suicidal tendency I can say if you are not familiar with the route and the bike itself. Other drivers don't really bother to give way to you and everyone seems that they are in hurry. Really hurry.

Well, maybe it's not just Penang, I think most Malaysian drivers are like that, just in Penang, that just looks obvious.

From Penang Hill, after riding for kms with only guided by the signboards, with several u-turns, stumbling numbers of dead ends and being honked more than a dozen times, we managed to find our way to Batu Feringghi.

And the hilly coastal road from Tanjung Bunga to Batu Feringghi is really challenging and tricky I must say.

When I was still a student back in 90s, this beach near Tanjung Bunga, used to be me and my friends' permanent spot to spent our night each time we had our scholarship outing to Penang. We just slept on the newspaper and woke up in the morning, took a bath at the nearest masjid. Luckily there was no tsunami.

The narrow 4km road, with the curves shaped like a snake carcass and slippery oily surface of the road made the trip was one hell of the ride.

I just can imagine how worst it could be if we overshot the curve and fall down the cliff straight to the rocks at the beach beneath.

Batu Feringghi Beach

It was quite scary for a novice rider like me that don't even have a motorcycle riding license.

I was not sure about my wife, she seem ok and silent but I can feel how tight she embraced my waist till nearly crushing my kidneys. She was ok. I guess.

Batu Feringghi Beach

We arrived at Batu Feringghi and decided for few minutes stop since there was nothing much except the high end hotel & resorts, restaurants, condos and artificial looking beaches.

But the scenery was nice though. It may wooed the tourist, but it's not that fancy enough to impress us.

Batu Feringghi Beach

So we headed to Teluk Bahang, a fishing village, and on the way, we have to stop in the middle of the road for quite sometime due to a traffic jam that caused by the Indian wedding ceremony upfront. Haha..that was fun.

We just took a glance at the ceremony that just held under the canopy by the mainroad and the smell of food was so tempting before we sped away.

We stopped at Butterfly Farm at Teluk Bahang. After proudly parked the bike next to the Beemer, we entered the park. Hmm.. Nice! It's so green. The flowers just bloomed and it was so colorful.

It was established in 1986 and it claimed as the first ever live tropical butterflies sanctuary with over 4000 live butterflies and 150 species. They also have other insects, reptiles, fishes and plants on display.

I think they should change the name from Butterfly Farm to Butterfly & Others Farm. That is more appropriate and catchy.

We spent more than an hour there, roaming around, enjoying the colorful butterflies and the plants in this 1 hectare farm.

We also found out that in there, butterflies turn into methuselahs, living for as long as 14 days which it is only up to 10 days only in their natural habitat. Err..don't ask me any further question.

The butterflies exhibition in the farm's building

They have big pond full of fishes. Maybe they throw away the dead butterflies as the fish food. Easy disposal system.

Inside the 1 hectare green farm and growing

From there, we off to Balik Pulau using the more narrow, zigzag and hilly road of Penang. And this time around, the road is way longer and 5 times more challenging but cooler.

It covered by the thick forest, tall trees and surrounded by orchards.

Balik Pulau zigzag hillyroad. I think Initial D can shoot their sequel here. Just perfect route.

To be specific durian orchards. And the best thing was, it was musim durian and numbers of orchards have their own stall selling durians and other fruits just at the side of the road. Heaven.

We decided not to eat durian yet before we had our lunch, so we can just sniffed the aroma from the bike, without stopping and makan. That was suffering.

One of the durian stalls, at the Balik Pulau hilly roadside.

At some point of the road, we can see the sea, the kampungs downhill, the green paddy field and more of zigzag road. The view is breathtaking man.

Since we were on motorbike, we just stopped randomly at the side of the road and enjoyed the view. That was one of the best experience ever.

Balik Pulau view

You, your loved one, the rented motorbike and the majestic view of Balik Pulau from the top of the hilly road surrounded by durian trees. Priceless.

To be continued

Judgemental Kills The Cat. Hmm..Yeah, That Cat.

2009-12-31T16:22:00.000-08:00

"Tak Kenal Maka Tak Cinta" Is that true?

What about "Cinta Pandang Pertama" or Love at First Sight? What is that all about?

Whatever it is, many of us believe in that first sight love but also most of us know that, it takes time to be in love with someone.

There is a study found a man can fall in love after gazing at woman in less than 10 seconds, and the longer he looks, the more interested he is.

And if he is not interested, the gaze will drop to only 4.5 seconds. That is how fast people [especially men] fall in love.

Have you ever, don't like somebody at the first time you meet them? You dont even know him or her, but already you dont like them? What the heck is that?

Why do we sometimes immediately know that we don't like them?

We usually relates this with our instinct, intuition or gut feeling but the study have found there's something more going on that just barely meets the eye.

They call it MICROEXPRESSION. Remember that.

Human face is a medium or a sign that sends us message. When we "read" data, there's a lot of data to be coded, either it's long or angular or chubby? muscle tone? How big are the eyes? Thick lips? Bald? Nose etc.?

Usually when we meet stranger when the first time we meet them, we will try to match them to the face that we already know.

Which we will perceive changes that have taken place such as scarring, skin tone or wrinkles and also taking account of artificial adornments such as eyeglasses, makeup, tattoos or piercing.

We make personal judgement based on what the person has added by choice.

So if you ever had a stern English teacher, name Miss Lim when you were in primary 4, who always rotan you for not doing your homework given, she never smiled one.

And if it happens to be you who meet a lady with slidely looks like her somewhere, I bet your first expression to that poor lady is: she is fierce and stern. Eventhough the fact is, she is so lemah lembut and a very sweet soft spoken lady.

That is because of that microexpression of yours that do all the work of judgement for you. Same thing happen if you meet somebody looks like Angelina Jolie or Gerard Butler, its vice versa.

Something like that. You can read more about microexpression, just google it.

The best thing to do is, be fair and we should give people no judgement at the first time we meet them. Respect them the way they are and respect the choice they made for themselves.

That is my resolution for this 2010. Do not judge people. Respect their choice. Blend in more and make the world a better place to live.

I never had a resolution for new year before, in fact I never believed in one, but 2010 is different. I want to have one and will give it a try.

Happy New Year 2010!!

p.s: My significant other's name is Miss Lim too but she is way hotter, sweeter, lemah lembut and never rotan me. [so far]

Penang part II : the Motorcycle's Diary

2009-12-29T07:45:00.000-08:00

On the second day in Penang, we decided to go for the island tour, by ourselves and out of many ways of transportation available, we chosed a motorbike.

To be specific kapcai Modenas Kriss that we rented from the nearby car & motorbike renting company for RM10 per day. and again, cheapskate? nah.. we just wanted to try various mode of transportation and this time, motorbike =))

Get to check the tyre air pressure was sufficient for the whole exciting roadtrip

We planned to go tour around the island and tried to stop for sightseeing randomly along the way.

With the blurrish direction given by A.G the day before, we headed to Stadium Bandaraya to check out Lorong Kulit Flea Market [the local called it Road Walk or sounded to me like Rowoq] that just next to the stadium. Its a flea market that sells almost everything under the sky.

My wife loves the stones

Right after we arrived at 9.30am, the rain poured out of nowhere and we ended up sheltering in the small restaurant next to the market.

Great. There we were, stucked in the crowded small restaurant waiting for rain to stop and that left us with no choice. So we just had our prematured lunch promptly and only managed to start roaming around after almost an hour after that.

Looking for our bike and it took us almost 15 minutes to find it. They all just look alike.

Lorong Kulit always impress me with quirky things on sale there from medicine and traditional herbs to fruits, from electric appliances to used pipe sink, from mundane household paraphenalia to genuine antic. Phew* One of the best flea market in Malaysia I've ever been I guess.

The very focus apek. He knew what he wants.

Off the record, when I went there back in my student era in mid 90s, I ever stumbled with the still wet jeans and the rice pot that still had rice in it being sold in this flea market. That amazed me too, alot =)

Craps for us but valuable stuffs for somebody else. The art of Road Walk.

After strolling around for almost every inch of the market, we off to our bike to our next destination. We didn't buy anything except a kg of sweet seedless grapes for us to munch on the bike along our tour de island trip.

Promptly we decided to go to Bukit Bendera or also known as Penang Hill, since we never been there before.

It's a hill system with a resort at the height of 833m above sealevel and about 6km from the city centre which we can reach the top using the Penang Hill Railway system from the downhill station.

Penang Hill View : source from internet

It was first cleared by Francis Light to grow strawberry and originally known as Strawberry Hill before they changed it to Bukit Bendera [Flag Hill] and the first hotel built, was back in 1890 at the top of the hill.

We arrived at the peak time, at 12pm and the only trolley available was at 3pm. Darn. So we just spent our time at the downhill station, eating ice cream, watching people and the trolley before we go to the next destination.

The never stop running train and it was packed for the whole day.

There was nothing much to see at the downhill station except of the crowded station with the local & foreign tourist thats including the Mat Banglas. There were alot of them. Maybe it's a weekend off so they took this opportunity to support our tourism industry.

Love your friend pose by the Bangladeshi.

Less than an hour, we fled to our next destination, Batu Feringghi & Teluk Bahang! Yeah. Beaches!

to be continued.

Christmas : the American & Malaysian's

2009-12-26T08:25:00.000-08:00

Christmas in US is something really different than ours back in Malaysia. I always get a quote from my friends back in Malaysia, saying that how wonderful Christmas celebration is in this west side of the world.

How white the Christmas are, how beautiful Christmas trees and ornaments to be decorated, how smooth Santa clause will fly from north pole sending gifts from house to house through the chimney for the kids [even he is damn fat to get pass through it] and how excited the people are celebrating Christmas. And it's all just an exaggeration. Big time.

For the people here, Christmas is just an another ordinary holiday season for them to breakaway from their hectic work or routine life but the holiday that they need to spend alot for decorations and gifts. Having family dinner together on Christmas Eve and everything will be ended by the end of the day of the Christmas itself.

And most of the people, they will opt to go for holiday at the warmer part of the world since this is one of the season that they can go for a long vacation and escape from the chillness in this north hemisphere winter. So where's the family spirit in Christmas?

But this is true, the shopping and prices in Thankgiving and Christmas Sales are CRAZY.

Back in Malaysia, especially if you are in Sarawak which we have 43% of Christian community from the whole population, we celebrate Christmas as we celebrate other religious festival. Balik kampung, family dinner is a compulsory, mediocre gifts and the most iconic culture for us, OPEN HOUSE and FOOD and more FOOD. I missed that very much.

It's the time for us to visit our friends, having good time together, get wasted and makan all you can. Most of the hosts of open house now really concern to provide halal food for muslim friends. which is a very good thing and show how we respect each others. It happens to other festives too such as Hari Raya or Chinese New Year or Gawai Dayak.

We went to The Baring's Christmas Open House, a couple from Sarawak who settled down in Philly

Don't expect an invitation to any open house here in the United States unless you're are a family member or a very close friend of the host because there is no such thing as open house. It's a very closed occasion. Well, it is just not their culture I guess. Which I am very lucky to be part of our culture back home which everyone of us can ignore our differences and celebrate our festive season as its ours and together with our friends [or strangers] from other races and religion.

Luckily we still have the value and culture to bring together and celebrating christmas as we always do back in Malaysia. Good company, good food and merrier christmas.

Everybody is celebrating the christmas. Thanks a lot to the Baring's family.

Yes, maybe we don't have white christmas or Caucasian look santa or chimney for him to get in but we still sustaining the real value of christmas itself. So be proud to be a Malaysian because of our open and sharing culture, together with the great value of it. Get rid of the prejudism. Ignore the politician race hatred propaganda. Eat as if there is no tomorrow at the open house and make sure you workout like hell aftermath.

Merry Christmas everybody, wherever you are.