I took the plunge!

This isn't me. But I am no better. I guess my bulging eyes and screaming mouth was way bigger than hers?

My sister has been telling me about the slides and how one of them is almost 90 degrees in shape. She told me that I must go and try it. In my heart I was thinking "Nah... How scary would that be? It is just a kiddie slide afterall..". But I have decided to go and try it to see if it is that scary.

I've been crazy over all these rides and I never scream in them, be it in Australia's hanging roller coasters or Hong Kong's sunflower ride. What would a kiddie slide has that could scare me. Until I sat on top of the red slide looking down. My legs starts feeling numb. I started to have qualms and second thoughts. I now regreted laughing at Ben, when he first slid down. But sigh... It's too late to back up now. After a short goodbye with my loved ones, I took the plunge. aaaAAAAHHHHHH...... I left my heart at the top of the slide. To think that it was embarassing to scream all the way down. Sigh... I never got to stop screaming on my subsequent plunges. The feeling of falling freely without anything to hold was.. was... terror!

I guess age is really catching up. I see kids sliding down the terror slide like eating cabbage. They did it with such simplicity and grace. I wonder if my screamings were due to fear or jealousy.

After the adrenaline rush, we had a go at the obstacle course. Climbing up and down the padded walls and floors, slipping in between 2 cushioned rollers, falling onto nets, slipping down the firemen poles and hanging on a rope. We were positive we have burnt all the fats we have gathered from all the chompings in this trip. It was a really good work out.

You must be thinking that we are too old for this. Does age got to do with it? The equipment is meant for both adults and kids. The only thing matter here is...

Do you dare to take the plunge?

Note: This is not an advertisment and I am not paid to scream on that terror slide!

Do you see what I see in Penang?

I love Penang. Mostly because my beloved sister is there, partly because I spent my kiddie days visiting Penang with my family and spent even more teenage days studying there. It's got nostalgic value for me, though not as far back as Penang's history.

When I was a kid, I used to look at all the old mansion along Gurney Drive and Kelawei Road wondering what kind of life goes in there. As time past, I see less and less of these family owned mansions. The mansions-turned-shops and abandoned buildings are like burnt holes on a paper. An eyesore that burns my heart. Lucky me, my sister shared my love and we would travel by public transport or walk around Penang taking down whatever detail left of the old Penang. That's what you are looking at.

My only hope here is that when you do visit Penang, you would spare some time to look around you (besides those fabulous food).

Chinese celebrating 9th Emperor God's visits at Tow Boo Keong, Ipoh

The 1st 9 days of the 9th Chinese Lunar month spells busy period for Tokong Tow Boo Keong (Tow Boo Keong Temple) in Ipoh. In fact, most Chinese Taoist will be busy visiting temples at their area. It is one of those time where wishes were made and thanksgiving were performed(when wish comes true). Why come during this period? It is this time that the 9th Emperor God visits the earth via the waterways. That's why you'll see procession from the river on the first day to the temple, and a return to the river on the 9th day.

About Tow Boo Keong Temple

The temple is situated at Jalan Kampar, Ipoh. Expect double to triple parking at the roadside during this period. There will be usherers to guide you to a parking space and sell you all the prayer paraphernalia.

Inside the temple, you'll be moved to tears (hihi... more like smoked to tears). Worshippers will present the tributes, burn incense and candles, make wishes, ask for direction (using the bamboo sticks) and stand dumb (that would be me). Every donation given will be responded with 3 drum raps and 3 bell rings. Those completed their prayers will walk below the God's table for blessing and get amulets for protection. Full of customs. Full of tears (me again).

The tributes
The usual food presented to 9th Emperor God would be "miku". Miku is a hokkien word meaning tortoise shaped bun.

The demand for miku is astoundingly huge. Everyone who visited the place will buy at least in 3's or 5's. You'll witness many hands behind the making of miku.

Miku is actually steamed bun with slight sweet tinge in taste. The traditional way of using rattan tray to steam the buns are still being practised as it will help ensure no water droplets will fall on the buns. Some may also use fat go (literally prosperity cake in cantonese).

No worries if you have missed the usherers. The basic prayer paraphernalia are piled up at the front door for your easy access. As you can see, you can also pay tribute by presenting oil for the 9th Emperor God's lantern. Light is a common element in many religions.

The coloured papers are clothes to be burnt as present for the 9th Emperor God. Included in there are gold and silver money, as well as papers of good wishes also to be burnt and presented to the God. Wrapped within are incenses and candles. It was said that the more ashes a Deity/God receives, the higher is their power/status.A bamboo tree tied across a high coconut trees carries the light showing the worshippers "the way". It forms as a blessing too.

Traditional Chinese Opera show were also laid out as entertainment and tribute for the God. The show can be in Teo Chew (Ipoh) or Hokkien (Penang). Some temples may go as far as hiring artist from China. The clothes and shows are more elaborated as compared to local troupes. But it is not because local troupes have no initiative, just that the art is diminishing in Malaysia. Difficult to find new blood to take over, and even lesser demand.The way I see it?

It is a belief. It is a custom. It is a culture. It is a part of society. It is a part of life.

Morning Market in Pudu

Parking here is terrible. Some parts of the market emanates certain odour that might not be pleasant (I am trying to down play this). Not only are the car lanes congested, human lanes are just as bad. But despite all those, the place remained one of the popular markets for housewives to do their household ingredients shopping. It is also a place where many people meet and trades all sorts of things, from antiques to rare animals. I say it is a rather good place to show the tourist, if they really want to see Malaysia. But make sure they have gone to restroom prior to the visits and don't drink too much water. Malaysian toilets are still rather appalling.

These are not for sale.
Pet fishes are sold by packets.
Many choices for many preferences.

Fresh & dried herbs for your health.

Veges of all sorts.

More local veges.

A little hill of dried anchovies.

I couldn't believe it at first. But I was really walking on road piled with cockerel shells.

Fresh fishes anyone?

Rows after rows after rows of stalls.

Citruses, seeds, squash, gourds and tubers.

Red hot chilies.

The are still more shops behind the stalls.

Colourful pickles.

Uncle special offer.

Beautiful torch ginger flower/bud (locally called bunga kantan).

Petai, twisted cluster bean, yongchaak or stink bean. Call it whatever you want, true Malaysian love it just the same.

You'll find everything you need to cook up a Malaysian fare from this market.

Leaving land below the wind..

Day 1 : http://travellogging.blogspot.com/2007/09/to-land-below-wind.html
Day 2 : http://travellogging.blogspot.com/2007/09/journey-on-land-below-wind-continues.html
Day 3 : http://travellogging.blogspot.com/2007/09/land-below-wind-journey-continues.html
Day 4 : People & culture. Tata Kota Kinabalu...

Guess it is time that we focus back to people and culture. If you thought Peninsular Malaysia is a cultural pot, think again. I find more truthful definition of peaceful co-existence in Borneo. People here are more friendly, more helpful, and more tolerant of each others' differences. Could it be that, as our material wealth develops, we loss humbleness and understanding? By the way, driving in Sabah is anything but stressful. Drivers are generally very patient (ie stopping for pedestrians, letting cars move into their lanes, etc). So it got me thinking. I sort of get into the conclusion that it's the drivers attitude that made the driving experience good or stressful. If all drivers are like KL'ites (honk freely, complain about other people's selfishness while staying in yellow boxes, double-triple parking, etc), how not to be stressful? How about we try to be corteous for a start. No point complaining; Action counts.

Time Log
9.00am - Walkabout Sutera Harbour Magellan Wing and breakfast at 5 Sails
10.00am - Embarked on search of Dongongan Tamu
2.00pm - Checked out and walk about Sutera Harbour's Marina Club and Pacific Wing
3.00pm - Phillipino Market, here we come
3.15pm - Stumbled upon Pasar Besar and Pasar Ikan Masin
3.45pm - Scouting for souvenirs
5.30pm - Waterfront last minute clicking
6.30pm - Dinner at Pulau Gaya Restaurant (Inanam/Tuaran)& return car
9.00pm - Tata Kota Kinabalu

Stock take:

• Souvenirs for friends and family - 3 packets of Sabah Tea and 2 packets of Tenom Coffee
• Own souvenirs - Seashells from Sutera Harbour beach, dried flowers from Kundasang market
• For record - Tickets, brochures and maps (a good thing to buy the most detailed map you can get, if you plan to drive on your own)

I shall be back!

Land below the wind journey continues...

Day 1 : http://travellogging.blogspot.com/2007/09/to-land-below-wind.html
Day 2 : http://travellogging.blogspot.com/2007/09/journey-on-land-below-wind-continues.html
Day 3 : Time for the wild life
Day 4 : http://travellogging.blogspot.com/2007/09/leaving-land-below-wind.html

I have seen quite enough of plants for now. Guess it's time to move on to the wonderful animals of the borneo. I had wanted to go for river cruises to watch fireflies and probosisc monkies at their natural habitat and orang utan sanctuaries to see how well are the lovely primates coping. But alas, time is not on my side. I have to make do with Lok Kawi Wildlife Park. But it is worth the journey. The animals are very lively, unlike the zoos I've been to. It was great experience face to face with the tigers.

Time Log
9.00am - Buffet breakfast
10.00am - Back to rest in the room
2.00pm - Lok Kawi Wildlife Park, here I come!
5.30pm - Tata tiger. Tata orang utan. Tata monyet belanda. Tatatata...
6.00pm - Stopped by abandoned jetty along the highway/trunk road.
6.30pm - Sunset at Tanjung Aru beach
8.00pm - Back to Magellan for a swim
9.00pm - Night marketsss within KK town centre
11.00pm - Ikan bakar at Hill Top
12.00am - Back to Magellan

Tribute to all the marine lives in Langkawi Underwater World sacrificed in the hands of the unscrupulous culprit that sabotaged the tank. May you have crossed over to a better place..

The journey on the land below the wind continues...

Day 1 : http://travellogging.blogspot.com/2007/09/to-land-below-wind.html
Day 2 : To explore
Day 3 : http://travellogging.blogspot.com/2007/09/land-below-wind-journey-continues.html
Day 4 : http://travellogging.blogspot.com/2007/09/leaving-land-below-wind.html

After half a day of heavy rain, sunshine finally came to its senses and decided to brighten the world and give the living being warmth. It was great starting the day with fresh vegetable soup cooked with veges fresh from the farms of Kundasang and a cup of hot tea. It was a great day!

Time Log
7.00am - Good mornin' sunshine
8.00am - Breakfast of yesterday's leftover (vermicelli + vege soup)
9.00am - Pandanus trail and botanical garden in Kinabalu Park
12.30pm - Checked out and straight to Kundasang
1.00pm - Nasi Lemak at Kundasang Cafe
1.30pm - Kundasang War Memorial
3.00pm - Head to next destination
3.45pm - Reached Poring Hot Spring and climbed up to Poring Canopy Walk
5.00pm - Feasted at Rainforest Restaurant in Poring Hot Spring Park
6.00pm - To head back to KK via Kinabalu Park
6.30pm - Getting dark, stopped by at Fairy Hotel to take scenic photos
8.45pm - Reached Kota Kinabalu town and seafood feast at Port View
11.20pm - Stroll along waterfront
12.00am - Checked in to Sutera Harbour Magellan Resort

I have video some parts within Kinabalu Park. If you like to watch them, you can go to:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KdfZF8rf-7U

I have also video the sights on Poring Canopy Walk at the site below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztVpKcUfalQ

For those that could not download flash player, and hence can't see the photo slides, no worries.. I am putting up my photos on another site. Will inform you when it is ready.

Till I see you on my 3rd day in KK. Ciao!

To the land below the wind...

DAY 1 : Arrival
Day 2 : http://travellogging.blogspot.com/2007/09/journey-on-land-below-wind-continues.html
Day 3 : http://travellogging.blogspot.com/2007/09/land-below-wind-journey-continues.html
Day 4 : http://travellogging.blogspot.com/2007/09/leaving-land-below-wind.html

I have never been to Borneo. And with my kind of luck, I was so worried what kind of "surprises" lie waiting for me in this mystical land. But I have to go, the wind is calling.

Time Log
4.30am - Took a cab to KL Sentral
5.15am - Aerobus took off
7.00am - Airasia skybus took off
9.00am - Reached KK Terminal 2
9.30am - Breakfast at Kah Hiong Ngiu Chap
11.30am - Hired a car (Wira) and head straight to Kinabalu Park
1.30pm - Rain starts, stopped by at Pekan Nabalu for guarded lunch
(guarded by 2 dogs on both right and left side)
2.30pm - Reached Kinabalu Park and checked in to Summit Lodge(raining)
4.30pm - Rain stopped, drove up to Kundasang to buy vege for dinner
5.30pm - Came back and cooked a big pot of vege soup with vermicelli
(rain starts again)
8.30pm - Started fire and get ready to turn in for th night

Hope you like my photos. These are taken on the first day. I have more coming for my 2nd, 3rd and last day in Sabah.

Hope you like the music : Sinding Rumamai-Ramai by Aldro John Gaisah (Suara Buluh Perindu 1).


Kinabalu Park : The tap water in Kinabalu Park is shivering cold. But most importantly, these are straight water, as in the water did not go through the chemical treatment like KL. So what?
(1) Making tea with these water offers sweeter fragrance.
(2) Very difficult to wash off the lather from our soaps.

The Putrajaya Floria 2007

In conjunction with 50th National Day Celebration, an international floral festival is held and intended to be held on annual basis from 2007 onwards. I have attended the 2002 Floriade in Netherlands and had expected something similar being done here in Putrajaya. Unfortunately, I was rather disappointed to find that the planning and information is not well executed.
First of all, there were no proper map and information on how to go to the Floria destination. Eventhough website is created and advertisements were published in newspapers, the publicity is insufficient.
Secondly, the place is not well laid. Knowing that Malaysian weather is hot and wet, the floors at certain areas were wet and muddy after rain, making our walk quite an unpleasant ones.
Thirdly, I feel that the management seemed to indicate lack of understanding over plant exhibitions. For instance, plants need sunlight and watering. Noted the indoor plant deco were dark and dry. The flowers were dried up and the fruit deco has already growing mold. I may have went there the last day, but all these should be taken into account if the management wants to make it an international event.
Nomatter what, I am glad I went. Found many avid photographers there focussing and clicking away. Learnt a trick or two on how they manage the lighting and exposure.
Among the few exhibits I love are as below:

Heaven & Earth
Indonesian Entry

Japanese Entry

Yellow Orchid Arrangement

Rose Arrangement

Golden Chrysanthemum

USA Entry

Outdoor Daisies

Taiwanese Entry

I have not had a digital camera when I went to Netherlands Floriade in 2002, but you may find some photos in the sites below:

http://www.palacio-cristal.com/FotoAlbum/Fotos/2002/2002-09-29%20Floriade/index.html

http://iacoma.cs.uiuc.edu/~paulsack/europetrip/floriade/

http://www.inf.ethz.ch/personal/tuduce/poze/Holland_2002/tn/floriade13.jpg.index.html

I am not trying to glorify other countries achievement, but we should always learn from others and improve. I believe in "Malaysia Boleh".