31 August 2007

Malaysia’s 50th Independence Day

As a True Blue Malaysian, I am sure some of you would be feeling ecstatic and filled with patriotism inevitably as Malaysia marks its 50th annivesary of Independence from the British colonisation. Are you? Talking about this, this morning I saw a bunch of kids cycling with a Malaysian flag tied to each bicycle. Now this is what I called “Patriotic” or rather “Bersemangat”.

Malaysian Flag known as Jalur Gemilang

Nevertheless, some would choose to be ignorant towards this golden jubilee celebrated by the nation today or rather take it as just another public holiday to get away from work!

Born and bred as a Malaysian for the past 23 years, and yet I am still living in Malaysia. (Read: I still survive! Amen!) Not necessarily those who choose to stay back in Malaysia, would strive to earn a living and lack behind to those who graduated and worked in the developed countries.

Sometimes, a majority of us tend to think that the grass is greener on the other side whereby most students who are studying overseas, refuse to return to the country. Some would even undoubtedly choose to give up their citizenship. However there would be some who only choose to work and earn stronger currencies in overseas before returning to their homeland for a better retirement.

Perhaps, I do not have the opportunity to breathe the air of foreign countries during tertiary education. I will not make a stand after all. I would rather say I am contented with what I currently possessed. I would rather be thankful to have the solid education and the shelter over my head. Yes, I understand some hardships that we had to endure in this country. Who doesn’t complain? Ask yourself this. Have you not heard any single complaints from any Malaysian? There will be for sure. It all depends whether we could tolerate or not.

Ah… I am used to living in Malaysia. I might not choose to live in another country for long except for this nation because this is where I have planted my roots deeply. However, this will not stop me from visiting the world outside. I will still travel, I will still hope to experience the culture and lifestyle of other nations.

Oooh, I am sure you would ran across some top 50 or top 30 things that makes you a true blue Malaysian in magazines or newspapers lately.
Do you want to know what are my favourites? Check this out.

1. Malaysian time - “Give me 5 minutes.” That actually means 5 x 5 = 25 minutes. 1 Malaysian minute equals to 5 earth minutes!

2. Lah - “Don’t lah! Give me lah! Wait for me lah! No lah! Yes lah!” This is our beautiful Manglish!

3. Mamak is our favourite hang out place!! Cheap!!

4. When we see the traffic lights turning to yellow, we do not hit the brakes. Instead, we will step on the accelerator harder to beat the lights. Why? To save another 2 - 3 minutes from waiting another cycle of traffic lights.

5. Saving 30 cents is also considered saving. Some would rather skip a toll and take a longer route to save a dollar a day.

6. We can fully utilise the public transport until it is packed with sardines. Even in our own vehicles like a Kancil can fit 5 persons. Hey, my Proton Saga fits 7 persons once. (Jonazan, remember this?)

7. We somehow rather own a Proton or a Perodua once in a lifetime! After all, national cars are cheaply priced compared to imported cars. Agree?

8. We conveniently litter around even though there is a “Do not litter” sign.

9. The “No-U Turn” sign is meant for decorations to some of us. We just U-turn as long as we do not see any cops.

10. When we bargain during shopping, we always tend to negotiate for the cheapest deals. If we are not satisfied, we will pretend to walk away and hope the retailers to give us further reductions.

Happy Independence Day to all Malaysians!!

28 August 2007

It was another trip to the northern region. Yes, a trip to two states; both Penang and Kedah. Oh yes, I just love to travel.

It was like the famous saying “One stone killing three birds” in this trip. One is to attend a friend’s wedding dinner on 24th Aug (Fri) night. After that, we rushed out to celebrate Mummy’s 48th Birthday. On the other hand, my family and I had to attend my granduncle’s 70th birthday in Sg Petani. (Read: Yes, my grand uncle is my father’s mother’s brother and you will understand if this is not confusing.)

Mummy turned 48 on 25th August 2007. Her radiant smile has denied her real age. Everyone says she looked 10-15 years younger.

On the hot Saturday afternoon (25th Aug) @ 2pm, we headed to Air Itam for the famous Penang Laksa.

I am sweating profusely and here the crowd is endlessly queuing up, waiting for the legendary laksa.

After waiting for 20minutes, here comes the yummylicious Laksa which costs only RM2.30 per bowl.

It’s darn cheap to eat in Penang.

Can I have another bowl?

:: Originally posted at Xanga - Click here

21 August 2007

Welcome to the Islamic City of Malaysia!

Don’t get me wrong. I am just visiting the PAS-ruling state. I have no intention to advertise anything about the state government and the city, but to blog about my eating trip to this Islamic City in mid-August.

If you do notice the far left corner stated “Kota Bharu Bandaraya Islam” next to the gigantic words of ‘POPIA Stadium’, then you would understand why I mentioned I have visited the Islamic City.

This is the ever famous POPIA Stadium in Kota Bharu. Why? It is because they mixed the keropok, rojak and popiah together!!

You must be wondering why I have been travelling so frequently lately. I have just flown to and fro Kuantan in mid July. Then I’ve flown to Langkawi with my buddies. Yes, I’ve flown to Kota Bharu (KB) with my boss and 2 teammates recently.

Famous Roti Bakar from White Coffee House @ KB.

The main objective was to have a team meeting at the KB office as my boss has 2 more subordinates stationed here. Somehow, the meeting turned to be secondary in line while eating is more important than ever.

Lunch was held at a Malay restaurant which I had conveniently forgotten the name.

Burung puyuh ni!! Wait, my colleague said that I was eating fried Quails!!!

The Tom Yam soup was yummy yummy. Simply delicious and spicy enough for my level.

The first night’s dinner was brought by my colleague to Chiang Mai Thai Restaurant, located somewhere in between Kota Bharu and Tumpat. It was about 20 minutes drive from Renaissance Hotel to this secluded restaurant where heaps of Chinese would just drive to end up savouring their saliva for these food.

The CHAR SIEW that earned THUMBS up!!

Otak-otak with shrimps. YUMMY YUMMY!

We also had Assam Fish which was super duper good!!

This is the famous STANDING CHICKEN. It was on fire for a minute when it was served.

After satisfying our hunger, the chicken was left with bones!!!

The next day’s breakfast was even more enjoyable with Kelantan’s Nasi Dagang.

This is the Nasi Dagang “Beef”. It is simply authentic and local delicacies never fail to please you!!

Now that we have had a hearty breakfast, it was time to stroll around the city.

The pic above shows the Sleeping Buddha at a nearby Thai Buddhist Temple at Tumpat. This is explained by Tumpat, which is near the border of Thai and there are many Malaysian Thais living in this area.

Wat Arunathapayan. (I think it’s spelt like this… I can’t recall the exact letters.)
This temple is on the way to Pengkalan Kubor, near the border town of Thailand.

:: Originally posted at Xanga - Click Here

9 August 2007

Hello guys, I just want to update you with more pictures from my Langkawi trip recently. Plus, these shots are captured by Kiong’s camera, not mine. So, it took me some time to get them from him actually.

Dancing ballet at the Gunung Machincang, Langkawi.

The ladies of the Langkawi Hilltop… Cantik kah? Hehehe

Pregnant Maiden Island is the first island where we hopped onto. Can you see the head, the boobs and the bump?

This is a model of  our man-made “pregnant maiden”….. (Poor Rain… kena bullied by us)

Dancing ballet in the beach this time…. Oops, Kevin is hidden by Ager.

After a good swim at Temurun Waterfalls, we were busy gobbling our local favourite KFC down.
Oops, I am wrapped with a towel and Kiong seemed like he wasn’t wearing his pants. (*Giggles*)

Look at Kevin’s tummy and then look at how Kiong’s wife sharing the joy of KFC moments with Kevin. Ager from far behind must be amused by the KFC… Finger-looking good!!

:: Originally Posted at Xanga - Click Here