It's been a year since I moved to Edinburgh.
It's September and the time has come............ Where will I go next?
Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts
Sunday, September 04, 2011
Where next ?
It's been a year since I moved to Edinburgh.
It's September and the time has come............ Where will I go next?
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Off for 2 weeks. . . !
What was I thinking when I said Yes to Papa a few months ago?
Not too sure.
So I leave for India on the 17th November and will be back November 30th.
No regrets, but just still a bit confused.
This is going to be a fully spiritual trip.
Will be based at the Ashram (mostly).
Meditation 3 times a day.
Getting to meet Master, or maybe just see him.
"Expect Not"
If we are blessed to meet him we will.
No Bangalore, No Pondycherry this time.
Just Chennai.
I know there's a reason as to why I said yes . .
All's good. . . Just have Faith G . . .
Not too sure.
So I leave for India on the 17th November and will be back November 30th.
No regrets, but just still a bit confused.
This is going to be a fully spiritual trip.
Will be based at the Ashram (mostly).
Meditation 3 times a day.
Getting to meet Master, or maybe just see him.
"Expect Not"
If we are blessed to meet him we will.
No Bangalore, No Pondycherry this time.
Just Chennai.
I know there's a reason as to why I said yes . .
All's good. . . Just have Faith G . . .
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Awesomest Weekend Yet . . .
Last weekend was AWESOME!
Ok, maybe I say that or feel that everytime I don’t have to be in Penang.
But last week really was.
It’s been ages since I went to Singapore. 1st time was when I was eleven, for a day trip. And the twice after that was usually for a Meditation gathering. We would stay over night and get back as soon as it was over.
Last Saturday, I took a flight from LCCT – Changi. Technically, this was my 1st time travelling on my own. Lets not count the multiple Penang – LCCT trips. Changi looks cool. Get out, get your bag, there’s a sitting area and then a Visitors Browsing and Information Corner. Informed Jenn (an old friend from college, now a lecturer herself in a college there) that I had arrived. She had just sent off her boyfriend and had asked me to come over to where she was.
I took a cab from Changi – Joo Seng. Of course, after hearing lots of stories from people or friends there, not at all surprised to see very disciplined drivers and very clean streets. Asides from the roads, my eyes kept looking at the Cab Meter. . . .! Every $ as it increases, in my head was X 2.48 in my head in order to convert it to RM. My stomach was in knots! of course I had no plans for shopping in Singapore. . . The whole purpose of that trip was to watch Russell Peters Live!
Jenn gave me a nice big Squeezy hug and said, “You are finally here, to see Russell Peters!” Yes I am! Had some hawker food at one of the food court. The place was nicer, brighter, and cleaner than any of the hawker joints back home. But that’s it, the food . . . . No one beats Malaysian Food! We have the best of all cuisines . . . Asian Cuisines . It’s true!
Darts @ AUPE
After dinner, we headed to this club house AUPE. It is usually Jenns hangout place (for darts and beer), with her friends, Vijay, Nirmala, and both our former lecturer, Mr. Murali Kandasamy. I was nervous about seeing this man. Why? He was my former Contract law lecturer, I admired the fact that he was once of the best lecturers I knew, he knew his stuff and knew how to teach it well. For some reason, as a student I was too nervous about talking to him face to face, and the feeling that night was the same. Jenn must have read my mind, because she told me, “G, you’re going to see a different Murali.”
We arrived at AUPE, which was along Paya Lebar Road. Greeted by Vijay, whom I was meeting only for the second time. And both times, he was high. I asked Jenn, if I would ever get to see him sober. She burst into her usuall liggle (that’s laughter and giggle – really reminds you of a kid). And she promised, “G, I promise to show you the sober Vijay before you leave.”
Mr. Murali greeted me with a nice firm handshake, and later asked, “So Gayathri, you came all the way, to see Russell Peters?” If that club house was any brighter, he would’ve been able to see me blush! Of course, Vijay and Nirmala were just as amazed, and a little envious J. I mean, they live in Singapore. And here comes a girl, travelling from Penang-KL-Singapore, just to see Russell Peters and go back!
From AUPE, we walked back to the hostel Jenn lives in at Mount Vernon. Located directly opposite the Gurkha Contingent Camp. The hostel was a nice little cozy room for 2 (just nice if you are a student sharing). But for an adult, Jenn did the wise thing by taking up the entire room for herself. We chatted till 4 am before finally dozing off.
Little India
The next day, I opted for the ultimate experience (well, for me at least). Little India on a Sunday afternoon. Now this is what I call Little India. It really did feel like I was in Chennai or something. Because 90% of the Indians seen there, were actually from India. Jenn was telling me how the locals don’t really come over to Little India on a Sunday, because they are intimidated by the large number of Indians who hangout over there. But Jenn and I, we spent at least 3 years or more hanging around Petaling Street. So this was nothing for us.
We had Dhum Briyani, at Briyani Hutt. And my 1st cup of Bru Coffee there in Singapore. Briyani was good, coffee was even better. Jenn later took me to the Mustafa Center. I was in awe. I mean this is your One-Stop India in Singapore! There’s the clothing section, household section, cold storage section, and every damn thing Indian section! I was in heaven, almost. There was something I craved for. Something I could get almost anywhere if I were in India. We found the cold storage section. I finally spotted it. In a yellow can labeled, Badham Drink (which is actually Almond Milk). I found my heaven in a can. Jenn tasted it and took a pause. “G, it’s like liquid Paalkova (Indian Sweet)”. I could tell, she was also in heaven!
We later headed to Bugis Street, Singapore’s answer to our Petaling Street. Only cleaner, less stinkier, and more space to walk. Go figure lah!
Later that evening, I had a date with an old friend. Sheng Ling, or affectionately known as Aw, which is also her surname. My closest pal when I was in Nilai College. We were meeting for the 1st time in 8 years! She looks the same, almost. Just a little weight, and that really makes her look good. Aw, Jenn and I spent almost 3 hours having dinner and talking about old times. That was so awesome.
A little on-my-own time
The next morning, being Monday and all, Jenn had to work. We had breakfast near her workplace, joined by Mr.Murali. They gave me some suggestions on what I could do to kill a few hours. After all Russell Peters Live was only at about 8 pm.
So from Middle Road, I took a slow walk to Dhoby Ghaut, and took the MRT to City Hall. That’s where the Sun Tec Mall is and the show was also to be held over there. Personally I prefer actual shopping to window shopping. I consoled myself by saying “Nothing we can’t get in Malaysia”.
I finally got to the Hop-On Tours Counter. Decided to check out some brochures and then walk out to the waiting area. This company running the tour was called Duck Tours. They had this tour boat with wheels, so it goes on both land and in water. With a big yellow duckie in front. Talk about seeking attention! I was not prepared to get my clothes wet. So I opted for the 1 hour bus tour. It cost me S$13, and here’s the catch – No Hopping Off. Hop On and Off was only allowed if you took the full day tour which would cost you S$24.
RUSSELL PETERS Live!
The highlight of the week, month, quarter, year! Ok. . maybe not year, then again, maybe year.There’s just too much to write about this and I might never end up publishing this blog.
But let me try. . .
The Rock Auditorium, that's where the show was held.
How did I spot the place? How can you miss a bunch of brown brothers and sisters? I had to wait for Deepak, Jasmin and his cousin. . Meanwhile, I felt like a school girl going for some boy band concert. hehe.. Deepak, I managed to put on that Control Macho Face didn't I ;)
Anyways, When Russell Peters comes up on stage . . .Wooo Hoooo!
I mean, its one thing watching him on your laptop once you've copied his show from some "downloading bastards" as Russell himself would say. But really another to be there and see him in Flesh, and hear everything real time.
But let me just put it this way, I couldn’t get enough of him. So went back to Jenn’s room that night and watched the DVD I bought for S$35 J. . .That’s what I call SATISFACTION GUARANTEED!
Ok, maybe I say that or feel that everytime I don’t have to be in Penang.
But last week really was.
It’s been ages since I went to Singapore. 1st time was when I was eleven, for a day trip. And the twice after that was usually for a Meditation gathering. We would stay over night and get back as soon as it was over.
Last Saturday, I took a flight from LCCT – Changi. Technically, this was my 1st time travelling on my own. Lets not count the multiple Penang – LCCT trips. Changi looks cool. Get out, get your bag, there’s a sitting area and then a Visitors Browsing and Information Corner. Informed Jenn (an old friend from college, now a lecturer herself in a college there) that I had arrived. She had just sent off her boyfriend and had asked me to come over to where she was.
I took a cab from Changi – Joo Seng. Of course, after hearing lots of stories from people or friends there, not at all surprised to see very disciplined drivers and very clean streets. Asides from the roads, my eyes kept looking at the Cab Meter. . . .! Every $ as it increases, in my head was X 2.48 in my head in order to convert it to RM. My stomach was in knots! of course I had no plans for shopping in Singapore. . . The whole purpose of that trip was to watch Russell Peters Live!
Jenn gave me a nice big Squeezy hug and said, “You are finally here, to see Russell Peters!” Yes I am! Had some hawker food at one of the food court. The place was nicer, brighter, and cleaner than any of the hawker joints back home. But that’s it, the food . . . . No one beats Malaysian Food! We have the best of all cuisines . . . Asian Cuisines . It’s true!
Darts @ AUPE
After dinner, we headed to this club house AUPE. It is usually Jenns hangout place (for darts and beer), with her friends, Vijay, Nirmala, and both our former lecturer, Mr. Murali Kandasamy. I was nervous about seeing this man. Why? He was my former Contract law lecturer, I admired the fact that he was once of the best lecturers I knew, he knew his stuff and knew how to teach it well. For some reason, as a student I was too nervous about talking to him face to face, and the feeling that night was the same. Jenn must have read my mind, because she told me, “G, you’re going to see a different Murali.”
We arrived at AUPE, which was along Paya Lebar Road. Greeted by Vijay, whom I was meeting only for the second time. And both times, he was high. I asked Jenn, if I would ever get to see him sober. She burst into her usuall liggle (that’s laughter and giggle – really reminds you of a kid). And she promised, “G, I promise to show you the sober Vijay before you leave.”
Mr. Murali greeted me with a nice firm handshake, and later asked, “So Gayathri, you came all the way, to see Russell Peters?” If that club house was any brighter, he would’ve been able to see me blush! Of course, Vijay and Nirmala were just as amazed, and a little envious J. I mean, they live in Singapore. And here comes a girl, travelling from Penang-KL-Singapore, just to see Russell Peters and go back!
From AUPE, we walked back to the hostel Jenn lives in at Mount Vernon. Located directly opposite the Gurkha Contingent Camp. The hostel was a nice little cozy room for 2 (just nice if you are a student sharing). But for an adult, Jenn did the wise thing by taking up the entire room for herself. We chatted till 4 am before finally dozing off.
Little India
The next day, I opted for the ultimate experience (well, for me at least). Little India on a Sunday afternoon. Now this is what I call Little India. It really did feel like I was in Chennai or something. Because 90% of the Indians seen there, were actually from India. Jenn was telling me how the locals don’t really come over to Little India on a Sunday, because they are intimidated by the large number of Indians who hangout over there. But Jenn and I, we spent at least 3 years or more hanging around Petaling Street. So this was nothing for us.
We had Dhum Briyani, at Briyani Hutt. And my 1st cup of Bru Coffee there in Singapore. Briyani was good, coffee was even better. Jenn later took me to the Mustafa Center. I was in awe. I mean this is your One-Stop India in Singapore! There’s the clothing section, household section, cold storage section, and every damn thing Indian section! I was in heaven, almost. There was something I craved for. Something I could get almost anywhere if I were in India. We found the cold storage section. I finally spotted it. In a yellow can labeled, Badham Drink (which is actually Almond Milk). I found my heaven in a can. Jenn tasted it and took a pause. “G, it’s like liquid Paalkova (Indian Sweet)”. I could tell, she was also in heaven!
We later headed to Bugis Street, Singapore’s answer to our Petaling Street. Only cleaner, less stinkier, and more space to walk. Go figure lah!
Later that evening, I had a date with an old friend. Sheng Ling, or affectionately known as Aw, which is also her surname. My closest pal when I was in Nilai College. We were meeting for the 1st time in 8 years! She looks the same, almost. Just a little weight, and that really makes her look good. Aw, Jenn and I spent almost 3 hours having dinner and talking about old times. That was so awesome.
A little on-my-own time
The next morning, being Monday and all, Jenn had to work. We had breakfast near her workplace, joined by Mr.Murali. They gave me some suggestions on what I could do to kill a few hours. After all Russell Peters Live was only at about 8 pm.
So from Middle Road, I took a slow walk to Dhoby Ghaut, and took the MRT to City Hall. That’s where the Sun Tec Mall is and the show was also to be held over there. Personally I prefer actual shopping to window shopping. I consoled myself by saying “Nothing we can’t get in Malaysia”.
I finally got to the Hop-On Tours Counter. Decided to check out some brochures and then walk out to the waiting area. This company running the tour was called Duck Tours. They had this tour boat with wheels, so it goes on both land and in water. With a big yellow duckie in front. Talk about seeking attention! I was not prepared to get my clothes wet. So I opted for the 1 hour bus tour. It cost me S$13, and here’s the catch – No Hopping Off. Hop On and Off was only allowed if you took the full day tour which would cost you S$24.
RUSSELL PETERS Live!
The highlight of the week, month, quarter, year! Ok. . maybe not year, then again, maybe year.There’s just too much to write about this and I might never end up publishing this blog.
But let me try. . .
The Rock Auditorium, that's where the show was held.
How did I spot the place? How can you miss a bunch of brown brothers and sisters? I had to wait for Deepak, Jasmin and his cousin. . Meanwhile, I felt like a school girl going for some boy band concert. hehe.. Deepak, I managed to put on that Control Macho Face didn't I ;)
Anyways, When Russell Peters comes up on stage . . .Wooo Hoooo!
I mean, its one thing watching him on your laptop once you've copied his show from some "downloading bastards" as Russell himself would say. But really another to be there and see him in Flesh, and hear everything real time.
But let me just put it this way, I couldn’t get enough of him. So went back to Jenn’s room that night and watched the DVD I bought for S$35 J. . .That’s what I call SATISFACTION GUARANTEED!
Sunday, October 05, 2008
My Brunei Experience
Well, as we arrived at the Brunei Airport. . . I was expecting something that would take my breath away.
Nope! Nothing very impressive, I still think our KLIA rocks big time. . .
Yes, with the Malaysia Boleh Spirit and What not!
But Seriously, nothing Grand.
I have already been warned about the reset of the country if not for the Airport at least.
So I wasn't expecting much when I stepped out of th eairport.
As we were in a long queue trying to clear the imigresen check, Chinni spotted Amma waiting for us..... Nun di sana! She was already looking out for us. . . Grabbed our bags and headed to the Exit.. There she was! Amma was all Smiles! Ear to ear. . . HUGGS for all of us... Could hear her excitement just from that smile.. Not see it.. But hear it!
Aunty T had loaned Amma her car for the time being. We headed straight for Dinner. An Indian Restaurant - Rangmahal located at Tutung. Close to where the Hotel La Galleria was. People running the restaurant were Indian Muslims from India.
Back to the Hotel, was nice place. Small and cozy.
As we entered, Amma who;s been there for 2 months close to 3, was already familiar with (I dare say) the entire hotel staff. Noor greeted us at the Reception with a huge smile, like she's known us for long. Then Adi came with smile and got all our bags. (I think I saw Amma actually give them some duit Raya in a green packets) Since they were off the next few days. She did it discreetly knowing well that we were going to nag her again for Unnecessarily doing the Mother Christmas thing.
Next day, though it was already Hari Raya in Malaysia and the rest of the Raya Celebrating countries, Brunei had to do it differently of course. They were celebrating it a day later.
Amma had to go to Uni. While Amma and Chinni went ahead, Papa and I decided to venture out a little. Discovered a Chinese Vegetarian Restaurant and had breakfast there.
Walked around and discovered, a supermarket that reminded me or a very run down version a Parkson Ria that once occupied a corner in Seremban.
But listen to this!
I was there for about 4 and a half days.
Not a single honk!
People just wait patiently in the car.
You want to cross the road? The car waits for you!
I mean coming from Malaysia, we tend to wait for the car to passby before we go, the few bold "The Road is Mine, You Can Wait" one would probably show their hands indicating that they are going to cross and go.
But here, in Bandar Seri Begawan, and the rest of Brunei, they wait !
Hello!!!
I'm not used to this! Not in an Asian / ASEAN country anyways.
Wait a minute! I could get used to this. . .
The Begining of a beautiful. . . And Boring journey , if I may say so myself.
So the next few days went something like this.
Aunty Eileen and Uncle Super, parents of my kindy buddy Adrian. They went to UPM and did TESL with Amma, moved here 9 years ago.
Aunty Eileen makes the yummiest Banana Chips! Not too salty or oily.
I told Amma, "Make sure she has them Chips for me!"
And she did. The next day, despite being told that we will visit them, she comes over with a tin full of her "Valakka Chips" (Banana Chips).
I was in heaven!
She looked at me and said, "Exact carbon copy of Sanda!" :)
But we already know that.
The next day, Uncle Super took us to Seria.
To go see the "Nodding Donkeys"
What?
What's that?
Why do we want to see Donkeys Nodd?
So it appears that the (oil) Pumpjack looks like the head of a donkey, well nodding. . .
That was an interesting tour.
The drive from BSB to Seria takes about an hour.
The houses surrounding Seria are mostly temporary structures. If they find oil there, then out you go. But this is the Brunei government we are talking about, and I am sure the residents will be paid well for it.
Later that afternoon, a short tour.
There was the Kampung Air (Water Village).. Ok - that's all I remember.
There's this mosque in Town that looks really beautiful.
Being a Muslim state, that's probably the only structure they think is worth spending the B$ on I suppose. Oh, and the Palace. Gold Plated Dome! That's where the rest of it goes to.
The People in Brunei.
In someway, I think no one place and be refered to as the Melting Pot anymore.
This place is full of foreigners.
Philipinos, Indonesians, Indians, Chinese, and more . . .they are all here.
Back at the Hotel. . .
There were people from various countries waiting to meet Madam Sanda's family. Yeap, they call Amma that.
Dr Khairuddin, lecturer from Indonesia.
Dr Sugumaran, skin specialist from Kerala, India.
Another Lecturer from Kenya. And a bunch of other people, I've lost track of who's who.
That whole floor was occupied by foreign workforce brought in by the Brunei Government.
Probably at some point in the future, people like these might end up with citizenships and eventually become locals, or at least their children would be.
Visit to Uncle Super and Aunty Eileen's.
They invited us over for lunch. Nice home cooked meal with Paavaka Poriyal (mine and chinni's fav)! It's fried bitter-gourd.
Got to see tons of Photos of Adrian, who is an Engineer in Australia with an Australian fiancee now. My mom and his dad would always tease us about that 1 photo of us in Kindy Uniform. Tadika Ho. The only memory I ever had of Adrian at that Kindy was this. . . He would cry like a girl not wanting to go! :)
A little shopping at Yayasan, somewhat Mall - like, but according to Uncle Super - It's not a mall.
Shopping. Nothing you cannot get here in Malaysia. If you earned in B$ it might be a little cheap. But if you were to convert, I'd rather shop here at FOS :).
The last night, Aunty T was back from her New York Tour. Took us to Gadung Mall to do some last minute shopping. aka Big clothes Shopping for me.
Then dinner at Tandoor.com. Nice posh looking place.
Was like a nice reunion, with Aunty T, Uncle Super and Aunty Eileen.
The next day was lunch at Aunty T's. Doesn't matter what all the other dishes were. She had some nice Big Juicy Prawns!
And to top it all up was Amma's Chicken Rendang.
This was our Deepavali for this year. The 4 of us together. This Deepavali, Amma won't be here and I won't be going back home. And the chicken rendang is a once a year Deepavali dish. Right there at Aunty T's flat was our 2008 Deepavali.
Amma packed some back for us.
I just finished the tupperware she gave me today, savoured every last bit!
So that's that. Not much about Brunei really.
But that doesn't mean I wouldn't go there again.
If you want a laid back life, and make $$. Brunei is the place.
As long as you have a good circle of friends with you, you can survive!
Nope! Nothing very impressive, I still think our KLIA rocks big time. . .
Yes, with the Malaysia Boleh Spirit and What not!
But Seriously, nothing Grand.
I have already been warned about the reset of the country if not for the Airport at least.
So I wasn't expecting much when I stepped out of th eairport.
As we were in a long queue trying to clear the imigresen check, Chinni spotted Amma waiting for us..... Nun di sana! She was already looking out for us. . . Grabbed our bags and headed to the Exit.. There she was! Amma was all Smiles! Ear to ear. . . HUGGS for all of us... Could hear her excitement just from that smile.. Not see it.. But hear it!
Aunty T had loaned Amma her car for the time being. We headed straight for Dinner. An Indian Restaurant - Rangmahal located at Tutung. Close to where the Hotel La Galleria was. People running the restaurant were Indian Muslims from India.
Back to the Hotel, was nice place. Small and cozy.
As we entered, Amma who;s been there for 2 months close to 3, was already familiar with (I dare say) the entire hotel staff. Noor greeted us at the Reception with a huge smile, like she's known us for long. Then Adi came with smile and got all our bags. (I think I saw Amma actually give them some duit Raya in a green packets) Since they were off the next few days. She did it discreetly knowing well that we were going to nag her again for Unnecessarily doing the Mother Christmas thing.
Next day, though it was already Hari Raya in Malaysia and the rest of the Raya Celebrating countries, Brunei had to do it differently of course. They were celebrating it a day later.
Amma had to go to Uni. While Amma and Chinni went ahead, Papa and I decided to venture out a little. Discovered a Chinese Vegetarian Restaurant and had breakfast there.
Walked around and discovered, a supermarket that reminded me or a very run down version a Parkson Ria that once occupied a corner in Seremban.
But listen to this!
I was there for about 4 and a half days.
Not a single honk!
People just wait patiently in the car.
You want to cross the road? The car waits for you!
I mean coming from Malaysia, we tend to wait for the car to passby before we go, the few bold "The Road is Mine, You Can Wait" one would probably show their hands indicating that they are going to cross and go.
But here, in Bandar Seri Begawan, and the rest of Brunei, they wait !
Hello!!!
I'm not used to this! Not in an Asian / ASEAN country anyways.
Wait a minute! I could get used to this. . .
The Begining of a beautiful. . . And Boring journey , if I may say so myself.
So the next few days went something like this.
Aunty Eileen and Uncle Super, parents of my kindy buddy Adrian. They went to UPM and did TESL with Amma, moved here 9 years ago.
Aunty Eileen makes the yummiest Banana Chips! Not too salty or oily.
I told Amma, "Make sure she has them Chips for me!"
And she did. The next day, despite being told that we will visit them, she comes over with a tin full of her "Valakka Chips" (Banana Chips).
I was in heaven!
She looked at me and said, "Exact carbon copy of Sanda!" :)
But we already know that.
The next day, Uncle Super took us to Seria.
To go see the "Nodding Donkeys"
What?
What's that?
Why do we want to see Donkeys Nodd?
So it appears that the (oil) Pumpjack looks like the head of a donkey, well nodding. . .
That was an interesting tour.
The drive from BSB to Seria takes about an hour.
The houses surrounding Seria are mostly temporary structures. If they find oil there, then out you go. But this is the Brunei government we are talking about, and I am sure the residents will be paid well for it.
Later that afternoon, a short tour.
There was the Kampung Air (Water Village).. Ok - that's all I remember.
There's this mosque in Town that looks really beautiful.
Being a Muslim state, that's probably the only structure they think is worth spending the B$ on I suppose. Oh, and the Palace. Gold Plated Dome! That's where the rest of it goes to.
The People in Brunei.
In someway, I think no one place and be refered to as the Melting Pot anymore.
This place is full of foreigners.
Philipinos, Indonesians, Indians, Chinese, and more . . .they are all here.
Back at the Hotel. . .
There were people from various countries waiting to meet Madam Sanda's family. Yeap, they call Amma that.
Dr Khairuddin, lecturer from Indonesia.
Dr Sugumaran, skin specialist from Kerala, India.
Another Lecturer from Kenya. And a bunch of other people, I've lost track of who's who.
That whole floor was occupied by foreign workforce brought in by the Brunei Government.
Probably at some point in the future, people like these might end up with citizenships and eventually become locals, or at least their children would be.
Visit to Uncle Super and Aunty Eileen's.
They invited us over for lunch. Nice home cooked meal with Paavaka Poriyal (mine and chinni's fav)! It's fried bitter-gourd.
Got to see tons of Photos of Adrian, who is an Engineer in Australia with an Australian fiancee now. My mom and his dad would always tease us about that 1 photo of us in Kindy Uniform. Tadika Ho. The only memory I ever had of Adrian at that Kindy was this. . . He would cry like a girl not wanting to go! :)
A little shopping at Yayasan, somewhat Mall - like, but according to Uncle Super - It's not a mall.
Shopping. Nothing you cannot get here in Malaysia. If you earned in B$ it might be a little cheap. But if you were to convert, I'd rather shop here at FOS :).
The last night, Aunty T was back from her New York Tour. Took us to Gadung Mall to do some last minute shopping. aka Big clothes Shopping for me.
Then dinner at Tandoor.com. Nice posh looking place.
Was like a nice reunion, with Aunty T, Uncle Super and Aunty Eileen.
The next day was lunch at Aunty T's. Doesn't matter what all the other dishes were. She had some nice Big Juicy Prawns!
And to top it all up was Amma's Chicken Rendang.
This was our Deepavali for this year. The 4 of us together. This Deepavali, Amma won't be here and I won't be going back home. And the chicken rendang is a once a year Deepavali dish. Right there at Aunty T's flat was our 2008 Deepavali.
Amma packed some back for us.
I just finished the tupperware she gave me today, savoured every last bit!
So that's that. Not much about Brunei really.
But that doesn't mean I wouldn't go there again.
If you want a laid back life, and make $$. Brunei is the place.
As long as you have a good circle of friends with you, you can survive!
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Rainforest World Music Festival 2008, Sarawak Cultural Village
We're going to the Fest!
I was as excited as a little kid would be going to the Fun Fair.
The RWMF is a yearly event that goes on for 3 days Officially.
This being the 1st time for the Entire Gang of 10, Anita arranged for us to be there for Day 2.
Tickets to the Show
We Travelled via the Shuttle from the Holiday Inn to the Cultural Village, piggy and I.
So here's 2 words to describe Kuching and whatever parts of Sarawak I've seen :
CLEAN & GREEN!
I have not seen so much Green in my live and SO CLEAN!
Clean by Asian Standards (Not Including Singapore).
Oh, what am I talking about?!
Damn clean by Malaysian Standards!
Penang just seemed like a Junkyard Island at that point of time.
Unless there is a not so clean part of Sarawak Hiding somewhere.
But hey, this is what I saw and I liked it.
For a good 15 minutes or so, I didn't see any houses, housing areas etc.
Then I saw a row of old houses.
Reminded me of the kind of Houses you see here (peninsular), and you know your grandparents were still young the time those houses were built!
The cars, the traffic, the laidbackness, all reminded me of how it was 10 - 15 years back.
And 80% or more of the cars on the road were Malaysian Cars.
After almost an hour we finally got there.
And the crowd! My, oh my.
At the entrance we were greeted by some traditional Sarawakian Music and some traditional dance going on.
The Entrance to the Fest
The Celcom X Pack Dancers
As we took our little map to the Cultural village and moved on, there were many many stalls.
The 1st stall had accessories. At the counter was a Camera dude, and I heard some guy with an accent talking to the camera while interviewing the girls who were incharge of the stall.
Piggy and I were looking around, when the Camera dude walked towards her! Yes, she was being Interviewed by that VJ from that Channel V. Ok, since I've got no TV at home, it's been ages since I watched any Programmes on V.
SO who was this DJ? No Clue.
And if I didn't have a clue who he was, I know Piggy was way off !
But that Lucky Devil!
(I later found out he was VJ Dom)
Oh my gosh! Those arms and his chest!
Slurrp! (Control yourself G)
Piggy was just too obvious with her Deer caught in the Head Light Look everytime he asked her something. WHY NOT ME!! :)
Though I tried to help her out from where I was (and staying out of camera range).
Piggy and VJ Dom
After that we moved on.
An arts and craft bazaar was going on as well. Items from various coutries.
There was this stall selling Scarfs from India. Price ranged from RM200 - RM 400!
Seriously people! By 2 years of Deepavali Suits don't come up to that much!
I figured I'd just stroll through the place and not get anything.
We came to this huge eating area with Food and Bev tents and a whole tent selling - - HEINEKEN!
I mean, wow!
One of the traditional houses turned to workshops for the Fest.
This place you see right now, became the site of the crime later that night!
On the left is the Main Stage and the Tree Stage.
Performances would alternate between the 2 stages.
1st performance my a Bunch of Kelabit Youths - Kan'id.
These kids really rocked it!
Playing the Kealbit Blues and one of the traditional songs! Man, we were moving it and shakin it!
So the 1st performance was at the main stage.
Piggy, Kavi, Anita, Kalpana and I plopped ourselves at a corner.
Later we realised it was a bad idea, since the crowd decided to stand right in front of the stage despite the fact that it was covered with soggy sand, about to turn to mud all over again thanks to the rain on the 1st Night.
We decided to heck it and stood up as well.
The next performance was by another Sarawakian band at the Tree Stage.
We walked about 20 metres to that Stage with our slippers sinking and getting stuck each time we took a step.
That's it!
KAKI AYAM it will be!!
Let's play, guess whose butt?
At some point some left their slippers in the mid while piggy kavi and me decided to leave it at some corner so we could go get it later. (which didn't happen by the way)
Best part was Anita taking her slippers all the way back to the hotel and threw it away there!
Thanen was already at the tree stage high on Booze, music, and erm whatever else he can be high on just pulled us girls towards the crowd and the stage!
The music was awesome, the crowd just moving to the music!
Who needs booze?! The music was good enough!
Thanen high on Coke? or Tuak?
And if the 2 local bands didn't rock it enough. . .
The next group sure did it for me.
Beltaine from Poland.
They played Irish and Scottish Tunes.The crowd went wild!I had half a mind to throw my bag away so I could do the River Dance!Oh wait, I don't know how!Basically the crowd just went with it. . . Jumping and Dancing anyway they could!It was ELECTRIC!
Followed my a very mellow Palestine group.I was restless. That was more of a lullaby and Kavi was groaning.
Kalps and Anita went to get us some. . . . . TUAK!Oh ya! that famous Rice Wine.Damn!
Half a cup was enough to get you somewhere . . . It had a slight alcohol / sweetness to it.
After downing the Tuak, we decided No band was going to put us to sleep yet and went to get more Tuak.
Piggy and I bought a 600 ml bottle for RM10.
Darn cheap considering the fact the Cups we had earlier cost RM15 each.
We then realised ours was watered down.
I dont want to imagine what would have happend to Piggy if it wasn't watered down.
I was at a level, but managed to hold it all the way till I got to the hotel! Phew!
Piggy was going on and on and on talking!
We hung out at one of the Rumah Panjang with a huge croud and TV so we could see the next performing band.
All in all, twas a good trip.
And we're sure as hell going next year! :)
All 3 nights!
Saturday, July 05, 2008
Best Star Resort, Langkawi
My 2nd Langkawi trip this year!
The 1st was enjoyable, I had an awesomeb time with GP (my namesake).
Island hopping, dinner, the little fib we told Jeya about how he got pissed drunk and was Pole dancing at the lampost, in actuall fact he just went to bed and couldn't remember anything! (He still thinks its true by the way, and G and I intend to maintain that for the next few years)
Thanks to my previous Experience, this time around we booked Best Star Resort again. For a room with all the basic needs and nothing posh, RM120 for a family room was a good price.
Comes with 2 double bed. And an extra single mattress would cost RM20 per night.
So the 10 of us (Vky & Sha, Nilesh & Vim, Viji & Prasath, Edgar, Vicknesh, Ema and Me) took 2 rooms and additional 2 single beds.
The View from the Hotel Side of Best Star.
Talk a bout the ride that really really needed to be pimped!
Yes, we got that ride.
An old beaten up van, it's once upon a time AC was now only producing Hot Air!
PIMP MY RIDE!!! PLEASE!!!!!
Almost all the guys took turns to drive the Van.
Edgar had Massive problem with the 3rd Gear, but Vicknesh managed to figure out the trick behind that. Ema who had so much fun giving the all the drivers a though time about being lousy with the Van, finally got his turn. And as it turns out, wasn't so bad!
After Lunch - The boys did what they have been waiting to do for the last 2 months.
This picture will tell you a THOUSAND WORDS! Yes, it will!
These were bottles from Room 1. Didn't even include the The Baileys, Corona and Hootchies already stored in Room 2's Refridgerator! How about that!?
While the folks of room 1 started off with one of their Pre Pre Pre Pre Warm up sessions, I decided to take a walk to the Beach. Not that I am a beach person or anything, I stay away from Beaches in Penang, hate getting sand between my toes, hate having to change in and out of swim suits just so I can dip. But for some reason, it was different here. Probably the fact that I spent RM 105 on that 2 way Fery RIDE! :)
Eventually the rest came over after covering themselves with sun block!
Me? I am too Indian for Sun Block! Please!
A game of football by the beach with Edgar as our Goalie, and soaking like hippos, trying to drown Vicky, and temporary body part enhancements for some!
We tried to hog the entire beach! After all Euro season was on.
Vicknesh was trying to be a Hero and ended up kicking Vky's Shin of Steel instead and Injured his foot, later that night had to use Ema and Edgar as his walking stick.
Viji's dream finally came through, and Prasath too... for a few minutes!
Now that!
I don't know if that's a dream come through or not, but this African dude watching us put that together wasn't too thrilled about it!
So much for SAY MY NAME! !Xobile...
Dinner at The Cactus.
All those who ordered the Spicy fried rice, were raving about it!
Let me not comment on what happened that night. It was fun and it was funny!
No qualms about being the only single girl among the 4. We had 3 couples and 4 singles.
Though I did end up babysitting the Childish Drunk and the Crying Drunks.
The next day - apart from Island Hopping again, there was the Cable Car ride up to the "Billa" Bridge.
I only call it the Billa Bridge because the others did, yet to watch that movie though.
That night was followed by Some nice Seafood, Thanni, game of Grandmaster and ZZZZZZZ. .
The following morning, I simply couldn't resist.
Took a shower, got ready while everyone else was stonned and sleepy, woke them before i left the room...
Took a stroll down the beach.
Beautiful Sand, Sea and Clouds.
Followed by Breakfast at the Red Tomato.
I still dream about that breakfast!
I do have pics of what we had that morning.
For some reason, this blog has stopped letting me upload pics.
I will try some other alternatives eh?
Headed home later that day. . .