Hong Kong Trip - Part 2 (Photos)

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The People



The Hong Kong Food Experience













The Scenery

Hong Kong Trip 2009 - Part 1 (The Story)

I visited Hong Kong again after 2.5 years apart. This was not the first time that i went back to a same place twice; the last time i did the same thing for Shanghai too. Some people might think that is a waste of money of doing so but i look it in a different way.

Visiting a place for 2nd time gave me a chance to see how the place has progress in time. It also gave me a chance to visit places & do things that i've missed from the previous trip. Traveling back to a same place with different companions also allows me to experience different kinda enjoyment & enlightenment. Best of all, i get to taste again the food that i've missed so much since the last visit....hahaha

It was only two of us (supposed to be 3 if not bcoz s'one has accidentally washed his passport...hahaha). Alden was my companion this time. During 2006 trip was 11 of us.

Not so much about shopping since we tried not to spend too much due to the economy down turn. We decided to make this trip more relaxing, quality instead of quantity. At least after some time when we look back, we can remember more than just the memory of “touch & go” from place to place.

It was a complete 4 full days trip. On the 1st day of arrival we reached HK airport slightly after 10am & started our sightseeing immediately. I cant believe that we went up to Po Lin Monastery & bronze Buddha carrying our luggage with us...haha. (kinda regret that i brought a luggage!!) Basically we did Lantau Island & TST that day.

On the 2nd day, Macau day tour was replaced by HK Island & Lamma Island. But here what i remembered most is Lamma Island. Lamma Island consist of two villages (Yung ShueWan & Suk Kwu Wan) that both connected by an hour walk trail across the hill. We were there for the Seafood. Compared to Sai Kung & Lei Yu Mun (also famous for Seafood), this place is relatively cheaper.

The fun part was, we kinda under estimated the trail distance between the villages. When the local told us that it is an hour walk, I thought the time measured as one can stop & take time to indulge in the green scenery. But we soon found out it really meant walk without stopping. We departed from Yung Shue Wan around 6pm, we walked and stopped for photos thinking that we can reach earlier than an hour. (sigh! Sundown at 630pm!)

The nightmare started after 15minutes of walking. The trail was getting higher & the sky got darker. While I was trying to keep up with Alden's pace, he suddenly stopped & said : " Errmm..can u manage to walk faster?? Errrmm…Look around, we are passing by a cemetary. We still dont know what's infront & how long more to go."

Gosh! With goose bumps all over me, we started to walk faster & run at the same time. In my heart I was praying hard to see the village soonest. We didnt make it before the sunset; the last 20minutes walk was visible only with the help of moonlight above. Hmm...the seafood dinner was a good compliment though after all the excitement of walking. ;p

3^rd day was less hassle as we have Kiki (Alden’s friend) brought us around the northern part of HK mainland. We did Sai Kung, Tai Wo & ended the day in Mong Kok. With a local around, we get to do & taste what normally HK people do. It was so nice of Kiki that she took a day off from work.

On the last day we did quite a bit at Yau Mah Tei & Shum Sui Wan before meeting another Alden’s HK friend for Japanese lunch at North Point. We left for airport after 4pm.

Overall, it was really a good trip. Good companion. We plan as we travel & was totally stress free. Thank God for the perfect weather throughout. Evergreen hotel was clean & at strategic location (recommended!!). Food wise, we eat until the very last minute before boarding. And of course, nice meeting new friends abroad. ;p

* PS : Photos will come in Hong Kong Trip – Part 2

God's Love

I fall for this photo when it first appeared. I see the unconditional love of God through this guy that given water to the koala. He was not only trying to do his job but reaching out to any life in the fire without setting priority just for human being. How great isnt it??

God's teaching has always been surrounded by Love..Love yourself, Love your family, Friends, neighbours, those around you & even your enemy. The biggest Love among all is to Love unconditionally, how many of us in today's world can actually stand up confidently & says "I can do that!" ??

Often, there are thoughts behind the Love one offers to another..expecting they respond back to us maybe? obligation maybe? publicity maybe? hmm...scary negative thoughts ya.

Anyway, today is Valentine's Day. Go out & show your Love sincerely not only to your partners but to everyone around you. Hug the person if he/she needed comfort (ehemm...before you do that, please make sure where you are coz some countries consider an offend of hugging a person in public! hahaha), send a text message to ppl that came into your thought & says "How are you?"..Valentine's is not about gift of Chocolate & flowers...but is the thought & Love that count.

To my dear friends & family...you know who you are & where you are...A Happy & Blessed Valentine's to You all.

Driving Habit Experiment

When Alden came back during CNY, he explained to me how strict it is to get a driving license & the right way of a UK driver drives a car. One of the example he gave was that "one must not cross his/her hand on the steering wheel while driving & both hands are to be at 10 o'clock & 2 o'clock at all time.

Today while i was driving out to do some stuff , i did an experiment on my driving by following the example given earlier by Alden. Oh Gosh! it was difficult to discipline my hands not to cross over, not forgetting the part that i got so used to drive in one hand when the other side got tired. Sigh!! I've been doing the wrong thing since the day i got my license!! What a shame!! hahahaha...(i'm sure many M'sian out there having the same habit that i'm having)

So, what to do now? should i quickly starts practicing now or stay back to my comfort zone of my way of driving? (hehe...time will tell) But one thing for sure, i need to say Thank You that i've learned a new way of driving.

PS : Side story...We obey the road signs & follow the instruction stated on the sign. But hardly ppl notice who invented the road sign & when?? While I was typing out this blog, i make a quick check on it and found this "Traffic Sign" in wikipedia. U might interested to know. ^_^

Updates : I'm in the mid of sorting the stories & photos taken during trip to HK as well as CNY gathering, will be posted up soon.

Happy "Moo Moo" Year!

Dear All,

I just want to take this opportunity to tell everyone a Happy Chinese "Moo Moo" New Year! To those not celebrating...Happy Holiday,k.. (Eh, please...dont jam up the road! do tell me what time u all travelling, so that i can avoid getting into the jam...hahahaha)

Cant Wait, get to see many familiar faces again after a long time. To those going home, have a safe journey & to those celebrating in KL...hehe...enjoy the traffic less highways while we are gone,k.

牛转乾坤， 恭喜发财!!

Happy Birthday - Mom!

Mum's birthday has always been the first in the family every year as it falls in January. This time Sis suggested to have a good dinner instead of chinese food since is mum 60th birthday.

Initial plan was to have dinner at Lunar Bar but it was fully booked, we took the later option & ended at The Apartment. I guess we will keep the Lunar Bar for next month as my birthday just a month away from now...haha (as if they going to take me there for sure!)

Overall, I like the setting in The Apartment...nice music, cosy,relaxing & has a great view overlooking the fountain infront of KLCC. The food taste fairly good with a reasonable price. Every single corner on the upper floor has total privacy that u wont worry of getting disturbed by the table next to u...rating of my own, i would say 8/10.

A simple evening with love ones around to celebrate birthday..it really makes mum smile from ear to ear whole nite long...worth every penny spent! Happy Birthday Mum!

(Sis, Myself & Mum)

(Cousin Bro, Aunt, Mum & Sis..posting before the dinner is served)

(Authentic Lightings)

(When comes to celebration, beer is a must...haha)

(Green Curry Chicken with rice)

(King Prawn Pasta...slurp slurp!!)

(Cheeeeseeeeeeee!!!!!!)

(Cakes...complimentary from Apartment for Birthday AUNTY!!)

(Got caught of stealing my pasta while I was busy taking photos)

(You can dance, you can jive..having the time of ur life...haha..the drama queens & king in action!)

Job Hunting

Looking for a job during recession is not an easy task...I face not only the competition between candidates, I'm also facing the financial pressure to meet my month end need. I guess u probably would have ask, did I make the wrong decision of leaving my ex company without secure any job? "NO"...i dont. Y?

The answers, hehe...

1) If i'm still in the company, i'm very sure that i'll be suffering the same thing over & over again for not getting pay for months.
2) Within these 6 weeks, i get to do stuff i've put it aside due to my heavy workload when i was working.
3) My family ties got stronger by day, as i try to gain back the time i missed visiting them & talk to them. (I used to give excuses of being bz at work & cant make it to see them)
4) It gives me time to think whether to change my work path or go on finding a job that meets my profession.
6).......ahemm...the list can go on & on...but the most important thing is that I put trust in God, I believe he'll show me the way when the time comes. (oh...that has to be quick..my $$$ is running low...hahahaha)

I put my options open for now, whether in M'sia or in overseas...hopefully getting job not only pay adequately, also a job that help me advance my knowledge & skill. BOSS!! any taker???!! ;p

Adidas Running Shoes Seeding Program Q1 2009

Hello Guys,

Good news for runners who blog or having their own webpage.

Adidas had once again brought in more highly innovative running shoes to be given away FREE to runners to wear-test them & to post in their blog a very frank & unprejudiced opinion about the shoes after 30 days ofusage.One of the shoe that is included in this program is adiZero Adois that Haile Gebrselassie used at the 2008 Berlin Marathon setting a world record in the Marathon at 2hr 03 mins 58 sec.

The sizes are limited and I have them in size UK 5.5, 6.5, 7.5, 8.5 & 10.5. Those wishing to possess these shoes will have to comply with the following terms & condition :

1 ) Come to the adidas office to fit the shoes.

2 ) Undertake to post a comment in their bloga ) about the Technical features of the Shoes upon receiving themb ) about the performance of the shoes after 30 days of usage.

3 ) Must be a blogger or has his/her own website.This offer expires on 15th January 2009 & the shoes will be given out on a first-come-first-serve basis.

The program this year is only open to those who had NOT participated or missed out in this program previously.If you are interested pls call to make an appointment as appended belowOffice address:

adidas Malaysia Sdn Bhd

Block B , Level 4, Plaza Damansara

45 Media Setia 1

Bukit Damanasara

Kuala Lumpur

Tel Office : 03 - 20804843

Mobile No : 012 - 3503668

E-Mail : krishnan.karuppan @adidas.com

Best Regards

Krishnan Karuppan

Head of Running

adidas Malaysia

When Faith is Tested

Fr Simon was not his usual self today during the mass. He didnt say his homily..When he told us that he cant do his homily because he felt insincere & exhausted, there were so many question mark faces within the congregation. I guess Fr needed a rest after long celebration started long before Christmas.

It was my first time experiencing this after so many years I attended Masses. In fact it was the 1st time to Fr Simon himself for not able to give sermon. (To be honest, Fr Simon sermons are one my favourites...hehe.. i know i shouldnt be saying that!)

The reason I wrote this post is not because I was disappointed with him...but rather through what happened to Fr Simon today, it renew my faith towards God. I always thought that Priests are ever ready to stand infront of congregation...It makes me realised no matter how faithful a person is, there will be some point that we may think that we loose it. It just can happened to anyone, including the priest (bcoz we are sinners & not perfect)...But it is when u think that u are lost & suffer, that's time u nearest to God. (Only is that...dont lost forever! Get down on ur knees & pray)

I hope Fr Simon will be ok next week...haha, he was telling us that he need to go for confession over what happened today...Me too, have to get down on my knees to ask God forgiveness for I felt terrible this whole week over a serious damage i've done a few days back which i'm trying hard to patch things back. (The Idiot part that i wrote earlier).

Today's mass really a good one i must say..God touches everyone through Fr Simon's suffering. Amen.

Housemates Graduation Ceremony

I was suppose to post this up two wks ago, but i was bz to put things up the blog. Two of my housemates invited me for their graduation ceremony in Institute Language Teikyo. This was my 2nd time attending graduation ceremony in 2008 & i'm glad i did.

Graduation Ceremony in Teikyo wasnt as grand as the one in Cambridge, but it has uniqueness in its own way. The headmaster started off with his speech (dont ask, i totally couldnt understand a single sentence he said...hehehe...except the "Arigatou" part). Speeches were delivered out one after another by teachers & Students for nearly 30mins, then the Certificate Giving Ceremony began. My two housemates took their turn to receive their certs...below are the videos taken when they were called. (This time I'm lucky enough that I can take videos & photos as much as i wanted..Cambridge is very strict, outsiders are not allow to use their camera in the hall thus i didnt get to take any photos then...a bit sayang thou coz i wanted to capture that moment!)

Photo session part was the funny part, the teachers (100% Japanese) were very emotional...hugging the students & some of them cried...If anyone is not that sentimental type might find it a bit exaggerated...hahaha.

I left shortly after the refreshment session starts....though i didnt taste the food, but there was plenty for everyone & looks good. ;p ..hmm...now that both of my housemates graduated from Teikyo,they are preparing themselves for their next step..to Japan of course! One have gotten a place in Tokyo & the other in Nara. (which give me a reason in future to visit Japan again...hehe) I really hope the best for them...i bet they are excited now, not knowing what to expect being there for the 1st time. ^_^

Being an I-D-I-O-T on last day of 2008

I just being foolish & find myself like an Idiot on last day of 2008..dont ask.

Helo ?? 2009

2009 is just less than 24hrs from now...Some may have planned where to have a new year bash or even stay at home for a quiet countdown. Regardless if u going to celebrate it alone or with frens, I hope is gonna be a meaningful time for u all.

Come to think of it, 2008 wasn't that bad afterall for me...thou I greatly missed my granny whom just passed away lately & still finding a job. Great things did come to me, I still managed to meet my an overseas travel per year target & did many other things that i've planned. (UK trip was superb, trip to Mulu neither less interesting as well)

Great frens & family still in strong ties...most of all, i know i wont be alone when crossing over to 2009 tonite. (haha....)

I sincerely wishes u all to have a great journey ahead for 2009 & may God blessed us all. No matter where u are, there's always a part in my heart that i'll remember u always. ^_^ Have a great new year eve celebration, do drink & drive....oppss! sorry...dont drink & drive & be safe,k. Till we meet again next year.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Prawn Fishing?!

I've been spending much of my time with family ever since my grandma passed away. Eating at mum's place, spending afternoon with family as well as invited them over for dinner during christmas day.

Today we went out for dinner again.. it was great. We ended up at Pandan Indah Prawn Fishing Pond until 2am. Aunt, sis & cousin bro challenged against each other to see who gotten most prawns while i did the BBQ for them with what we caught. We managed 2kgs as a result! (good huh?! 1st timer leh!! hehe)

After my grandma's death only I realised i've not spend enough time together with family all these while. I'm trying to cover back the time lost & do more for them while they still around. Hmm...No wonder i'm still single now, if i ever get into a relationship, i guess any guys will want to see if the girl is family oriented. ;p (asian culture mah!!)

yawnnn!!! gosh! is 330am now...better get some sleep...meeting up my cousin tomorrow in the morning.

(follow up with photos soon)

Blessed Christmas & addition in the family

Dear All, I wish everyone a blessed & happy Christmas...May peace on earth & rejoice for this special day.

I gladly announce that two members newly joined my family today.... (guess who??)

photos of them coming soon..stay tune! ;p

My Late Poh Poh

I just returned from hometown after my grandma's funeral.

My mind is quite disturbing...thinking that i no longer see her when i goes back for coming CNY.

(to be completed soon)

When A Door Closed, Another Door Open

Three more days left for me to bid farewell to the company i'm working now. I've not gotten any job at the moment, but probably take this time to do things that has been pending for awhile. You might be wondering what the h*** am i thinking, resigned without a secure job in hand & economy crisis is happening everywhere. I can only say, $$$ is an issue in this company & i've no ground to stay on anymore.

So...what's next??? Seriously...I dont know. I keep my option open for now. As long that i've enough $$$ to survive until my next step. I hope God will guide me through.

Last nite i was sitting infront of my desk writing down "To Do List" for next week onwards, I'm not bored being jobless though...haha..I guess the first thing in mind, i can have a good sleep & need not worry of being late to office..haha.The nearest plan is that i'll be helping my sister this coming PC Fair, as well as preparing the meals for her staff..of course is part of business lo..haha. Do come & support my sis ya!

Something off record, I was talking with two Raymonds few days back. Few of us in the gang are highly unemployed at the moment, Raymond Ng actually suggested Dr Ray to form a group in Facebook carrying the title "Highly Unemployed"...hahaha. I laughed! (What a crazy thought we have here...) Instead of worrying what will happen next & when are we going to be employed again, the thought of forming a group came in mind!!

Dream

I wasnt feeling well this morning when Alden called me for a chat, i felt sorry coz I didnt really pay much attention on the conversation. I guess maybe the haze that caused dizziness, nose blocked & also the food i ate yesterday afternoon caused diarrhea since late last nite. Funny part was despite not feeling well, i've been having the same dream for two nites of being chased by a dark grey snake in the house; and this grey snake ate onions & boiled chicken breast!!!! In my thought, this snake must be crazy!!

I finally decided to check out what websites say about the dream...hmm...interesting thou! Dreamt of Snake can be interpreted as follows depending on individual culture, races & religious : 1- hidden enemy 2- life 3- health 4- kingdom 5- lordship 6- a woman 7- a wish 8- a son 9- a flood. Some websites also suggested that different color snakes represent different meanings. I guess for me is more like worry...I'm not sure. For some people, they might have try their luck in lottery liao!

Nway, i hope today's working session end soon...probably going to see doctor after this.

Insomnia??? Me???!!

I've been having sleepless nites lately...partly because i'm worry for many uncertainty when December approaching.

Cut the story really short....I'm Worry...really worry..but I've to be strong to get my feet standing to face the worry I've. I know God is with me, just have to trust Him & i can get through this.

Family Recipe

It has been more than 30years my aunts in baking cakes, biscuits & local kuih-muih part time business. When we were young, we always take for granted that aunts will continue baking for us as long we asked. Time past & aunts are getting older...only then i realised if none of the younger ones learn up the recipe, it will be gone sooner or later.

So i pleaded my both aunts to teach me during my stay in Taiping last weekend. Time was short, we only managed to cover two recipes...but it was good enough, will continue others my next trip home.

Few things i learned during the process :

A) It only cost less than RM15 for two different recipes - u can feed at least 10persons. (can u imagine how much profit can those kuih sellers making per piece? waoh! good money, can consider doing part time business later..hehe)

B) Its fun to see the end results turned out almost perfect for the 1st time...haha

C) Baking is an art that required patient & love. (putting love into baking will make it taste even better!)

D) Satisfaction - I know why all these while both aunts never reject baking for us, coz is the satisfaction in them when they see us enjoyed the food they made.

E) Baking is about sharing & get together with your love ones.

F) Baking is like story telling - will continue from generation to generation...as long as we dont stop telling. Even when they are no longer around, u will always remember the scene when they baking it & the taste will never be forgotten.

Nway, below are some pics for sharing... ;p

First Recipe :

Second Recipe :

When Family Comes Together

When family comes together for joyous moment...The video tells it all...