Happy ending

Dear friends,

As we come close to the end of 2010, I look back and think to myself. This wasnt a bad year after all. There was sadness, there was happiness, there was resignation and indignation. But through it all, there was KL, there was Malaysia. I ran through heartbreaks, took a literal leap of faith, and danced the night away to a brand new life. I ate... shopped... cried... and pampered myself...

In 2010, I lived.

I will be leaving tonight for Argentina. A trip planned so long and yet not so long ago. Bound for a city of passionate tango and hoping for a return filled with breaks now healed. I look forward to my soulmates waiting for me now on the other side of the world and to turning off my blackberry for two solid weeks.

I look forward to solitude by the glaciers, and hopefully a cup of coffee in my hand with the other hugging an old old friend.

And so, I bid you adieu 2010, for when I return a new year will begin. And I hope with it, new life, new loves and old fashioned happiness, once again.

Cheers all
Happy ending.

Cheese cheese!

For the past week Ive been sent over to our friendly neighbor Jakarta for work. Its been quite a lot of fun being here. Even though a few members of my company are constantly sent over, I myself have never had a chance to work in this city. The people here are without a doubt really really nice, and the entire city has a very service oriented mindset to them. I guess you kind of have to with that many people. Every little bit counts in trying to get higher spending from foreigners.


(The really great view from Hyatt rooftop)

There is of course, the infamous Jakarta traffic you have to contend with... and after getting stuck in one on my first day here I quickly re-strategized my day to make sure I was back in my hotel before the traffic built up... and to continue working from the hotel of course. Otherwise you're pretty much better off staying where you are until about 8:00 p.m. when traffice eases up again.


(The horror!)

I do fly back on Thursday evenings so I have my Fridays in KL. Last Friday I was invited to go for... Cheese Fondue!!

Even though I studied in the States and studied 3 months in Paris, I have yet to have a proper cheese fondue (the kind that doesnt involve microwaving cheese in college days). So we went over to Chalet Suisse in Ampang for some much needed cheese!

The decor of the whole restaurant is quite quirky. They're built it to look similar to a Swiss lodge. They even have cotton as fake snow lacing the inside of windows so with a painted picture of the Alps in the background. I only tried out the fondue itself but have been informed by my friends who had the main course that the courses there are pretty good as well. The best part? its really easy to get here (with a car of course, but how else would you get around the city). Just take Jalan Ampang all the way past Great Eastern Mall and Gleneagles. Go on the flyover and pass Ampang Point on your left. At the traffic light, turn right. Then immediately turn left into the shophouses and turn right immediately. It will be the only restaurant with a cow up front.


(Alps-y feel)

Its located in Korean Town, so you deff wont miss a cow when every single other shop is a Korean shop.


(Let there be cheese!)

The portions are decent, but I guess depends on how much you like cheese. Two French, two Malaysian and two Spaniards shared two servings of cheese fondue, but the four Swiss friends who showed up ordered five servings for themselves. My French friend tells me later that this is pretty typical for the Swiss =P

Swiss Chalet website

Little India

"Want to join me this weekend? I promise you three of your favorite things... adventure, food and shopping"

Miss C sure knows how to get close to my heart

The adventure – gallivanting around Brickfields
The food – Restaurant Sri Pandi serving limited potato tose until 11 a.m.
The shopping (mission) – to get Miss C and R-squared Indian garments for a wedding in India

So we met in Little India. I grabbed a cab over to realize that I had never been to this side of town in my entire life here. It was a completely new area and I was at a loss with the amazing purple buildings and colorful archways greeting me. Of course I found out later that this was all recently beautified since the Indian Prime Minister came by for a visit and the Malaysian Prime Minister of course wanted to show it off. Typical Malaysian Govt. only when someone is coming or there is some spotlight do ppl just throw money at the problem and gets it fixed.


(Purple buildings and colorful arches)

(Yummy potato tose)

We had breakfast at Sri Pandi, outside facing the road. But with all the loud Indian music going on, I would recommend eating inside at the back where there is ac and is much quieter. A friend had commented a few days prior that he couldnt find mamak stores that made their own roti canai anymore, that nowadays everyone buys pre-made roti canai. Fret not! as Sri Pandi still happily keeps to the tradition of tossing up their balls of dough... like an Indian version of an Italian pizza man.

(Tossing up a few batches of roti canai)


(Success! Shopping!)

After we finished our breakfast and got proper outfits for both of them it was time to hunt down a tailor to get Miss C's little top sewn for the inside of her sari. We walked along the row of shophouses and Miss C walks into a butchery which was located in one of the shophouses...
I walk in behind her and see the chopping blocks, the bag of chicken heads on the floor, the blood...

And a woman sitting in a chair by the wall...

HUGGING A MONKEY

COMPLETELY BLOWING MY MIND

Here is my thought process

"omg why are all these chicken heads in the bag on the floor"
"why does this woman have a monkey?"
"why is she hugging the monkey, is she afraid the monkey would run away??"
"Why is the monkey hanging out in a butchery???"
"why is there a tailor's store right inside a butchery?!!!!"
Ah well dear friends, I guess the city will always keep surprising you

***

Brickfields is located right next to KL Sentral. To get here, take the monorail to KL sentral. Descend, turn left and just keep on walking straight... soon enough you will be in the heart of Brickfields

(Little India... with KL Sentral area in the background)

Sporty weekend

About 6 months ago I decided to try and address some slight pudginess on my frame. With the help of a personal trainer at Get Active (they can actually come to your house to train you) I had managed to get into quite decent shape till now.

Then of course my company decided to have a friendly futsal (indoor football) match with another company and I was one of two females that played. (There was also a rule that one female needed to be on the field at all times).

Then of course come Saturday I decided to join a few friends for wakeboarding in Puchong.

Resulting in Sunday being spent lazing around having a picnic at the Kite Park with some friends...

... and a Monday filled with body aches. By which I mean I am unable to lift my arms past my shoulder.

So much for being as fit as I thought I had been...

***

Friday evening - Futsal
If you are looking for a venue to play Futsal at, there are two that I have heard of (had the pleasure of going to). One is located in KLCC itself downstairs in the lower ground area. If you are shopping in Suria (the twin towers) head towards Ferragamo/ Chanel / Prada *please do not judge me for using this as my landmark. Head towards the back which looks more like office space and is where the Philharmonic area is. Turn to the left where you may see signs pointing towards the sky bridge. Head down the escalator and you will see on your left an entire spectrum of fitness facilities that can be used. Including squash courts, gym, large hall. Futsal here was nice because it was spacious, but wasnt that nice for the same reason as well. No clear location for spectators as I just ended up sitting at the bar at one end of the hall.


(Inside the 'field')

The other place we went to play Futsal was at Samba de Futsal located in PJ. If you are taking the Federal Highway and heading towards PJ, take the second exit after the AmCorp Mall exit (heading towards Jalan Templer 222). Turn right at this exit and keep going straight until you hit a super mini roundabout (its like a tiny hill in the middle of the road). Turn left at this roundabout and keep driving till you hit a T junction. Turn left and you will be in industrial/ factory area. Sambda de Futsal is located on your right. I actually liked this place better (even though its a little further away) since there are seats for spectators and it was 'caged' in. Meaning the ball will never run off and you dont wast time chasing it. They also had fake turf making it less painful when falling down (which will happen a lot). Cost was RM150 for an hour. Lots of parking and they provide football too.


(Spectator support area)


(Caged in)

Saturday - Wakeboarding adventure

On Saturday I decided to join a group of friends who were avid wakeboarders. They were showing up almost every weekend in Puchong for some water, sun and exercise... and were looking damn good for it. Getting here really requires you to be local or to know the people there since it involves going into a housing area, past a guard house and all the way to the back. Along the way you may have moments of "wth am I doing in a housing area" but once you find it... u will deff enjoy it.


(Our private playground)


(Private cabana area)

Located in Tasik Prima Puchong, Carasol wakeboarding is only available by appointment. No walk-ins. Once you get there you will understand why. There is a little private area with some cabana's laid out for you and your friends. Its a really small area and only ~6 people on the boat at any time. There is only one boat which essentially means its just you and your friends there. Head over to the website and get in touch with Aaron if you are interested. He will also provide some beginner's lessons/ words of wisdom for those of you who have never gone wakeboarding before.

Lesson number 1. Hold on tight
Lesson number 2. Let go of the handle when falling headfirst into the water
Lesson number 3. Have fun! (and wear sunscreen)

(Get ready to head into the water)

(Wakeboarding!)


(Nothing like wakeboarding with power stations behind you)

All I can say about the experience was that it was incredibly fun and addictive. And what made it even better was that at the end of the day, my incredibly large group of friends decided to throw a bbq in the area. So we ended our beautiful day by the waterfront with some chilli dogs and burgers. Yum!!!

(our amazing BBQ spread)

The cost is noted on the website but location has shifted slightly. Cost is for the rental of the boat. Wakeboards and lifejackets included.

Recommended attire : Boardshorts with swimwear inside (for the ladies) and maybe a tank or something else on top of that. With all the falling in and out and impact and stuff best to wear something a little... sturdier

(Prepare for the hard crashes)

Sunday - Kite Park
So after waking up and slowly dragging myself out of bed (caution wakeboarding + futsal = a body that hurts so good) I headed out with a few friends to my fav Kite Park. Armed with three!! Spanish tortillas cooked by a real Spaniard, cheese and crackers, grapes, dragonfruit and 24 Krispy Kreme donuts! we all ventured down by the lake to enjoy the breeze, fly our kite and just catch up and rest my aching muscles.


(Yum yum)

And again, for those of you who would like to head to the Kite Park. Its located right next to FRIM. If you are coming on the MRR2 highway, keep heading straight (stick to right lanes) all the way past Batu Caves. Aim towards Kepong/ Selayang. Its a straight road all the way until you see kites in the air and traffic slowing down as people just park by the side of the road. Best time to head out ~430 p.m. to get a nice picnic spot. Then its just a matter of sitting back, chilling out and enjoying the day

(Enjoying our lazy Sunday evening)

Nearing the end of the year

"Greed... is good"
- Gordon Gekko, Wall Street-

***
Why travel?

I leave to see new places, breathe new cultures, learn old history. I leave to sense the sky above me, the land beneath me in completely different worlds. There are moments when I am somewhere I have always dreamed about and the emotions just rise. Moments when a 'teardrop in history' brings tears to mine.

Travel is about satiating that wanderlust in you... and everywhere I go, I am amazed... dumbstruck at the things I had not known, at the beauty I could never have imagined.

I travel because I want to live.

But travel does'nt necessarily have to mean leaving your home, your comfort zone. Travel to me, is about that hunt for something different, to put yourself and your life in perspective. Something as simple as stepping out of your backyard and going to a cafe nearby to watch the world. Running in your park and looking up to see the twin towers glistening in the sky... or even just sitting in your reading chair and watching the cars, the trains, the birds.



Travel is about appreciating life. Everywhere and everytime. And keeping your mind and your heart open to learning new things. It doesnt mean needing a stamp on your passport, about getting on that plane to start a new adventure.

The adventure begins here, in your soul. So be greedy, be greedy enough to take it all in, and ask, and seek for more.

Ipoh mali

It was the long the weekend. Deepavali celebrations in the air. My colleagues and I were trying to figure out if there was anything specific we could watch this time around. If for Thaipusam you head to Batu Caves, Chinese New Year you head out and hunt down lion dancers, and Raya you hunt down all your Malay friends for food, what essentially do you do on Deepavali?

After asking a few Indian friends of mine, the answer was simple - on Deepavali, people tend to head to temples for prayers. So unless you want to take pictures in a temple, you're pretty much out of the game. A few friends even decided to venture to Brickfields (a.k.a. Little India) to try and capture some festive and celebratory spirit. Their verdict was that there really wasnt much to do.

So instead, I decided to drag my friend J (the guy who brough me bungy jumping) on a little road trip out. After all, with the long weekend, I thought it would have been a real shame to not go out and do something. We decided to bring my car Dimples out for a road trip two hours north, to a little town called Ipoh.

Its an easy drive, essentially just take the North South highway all the way North and exit a Gopeng if you would like to do what we did. Since we wanted to make it a day trip, we had planned to check out three sites in particular - Kellie's castle, Ipoh train station and Gua Tempurung (Tempurung caves).


(Kellie's castle)


(The mixed architectural influence)

So, exiting at Gopeng will help bring you closer to Kellie's castle (its on the way to Ipoh). Kellie's castle is an unfinished mansion built by a Scottish planter - William Kellie Smith. The castle is well preserved by the state authorities and does make for an intersting visit. I cant quite put my finger on the architectural design of the building, but it does seem to have some Islamic influence with the use of dome windows. Though again, seems a little odd since there is no clear rhyme or rythm to the use of rounded windows to dome windows. The building is well built with a wine cellar, numerous entertaining rooms including emergency and secret exits connecting the rooms of his two children. He seemed to have pretty grand plans for the place, building an elevator shaft in anticipation of what would have been the first elevator in then Malaya. The rooftop was also built flat and allowed for him to entertain guests and throw parties (although sadly, he never got to do any of it). There is some speculation that there are dungeons built below and that he had wanted to build a tennis court (again, some have speculated this was supposed to go on the rooftop... whuuuu????). And of course, no Malaysian attraction would be complete without some weird tales, so exhibit 1 - is the bear shaped tree that flanks the front of the castle... Exhibit 2 - some say that Kellie's spirit still walks the corridors...


(Can you spot the bear?)

(The corridor)

Out front you can see a little stream cutting across the castle. It seems like you can even go punting down this river which I think would be fun.


"why darling, did you see that castle we just passed by"

(Rooftop view)

(The main area)

Kellie was also apparently quite a big hit with the Indian community nearby. Such a big hit in fact that they had built a statue of him and placed it on the top of the temple. The temple is located just a few meters away from Kellie's castle. It was quite funny seeing a proper British man standing in between all the other deities.


(The actual name of the restaurant)

Before we went on to the second stop, we decided to refuel ourselves and I called up a colleague who was from the area. He recommended the 'House of Mirrors' in the old part of Ipoh town. Essentially if you were driving down and the train station is on your left, City Hall will be on your right. As soon as you pass City Hall, you need to turn right and drive all the way down bringing you directly into the old part of town. The shop is located two blocks south of the field - i.e. the block directly behind HSBC bank. You can park anywhere and walk it (its not that bad and you get to see the old preserved shophouses). Known as the House of Mirrors for the fact that they have a bunch of square mirrors on the wall. You may be stumped by the sheer volume of people eating there at lunch time. You will have to stand around and get ready to grab any seats/ tables available... even if it means fighting your way away from the old folks there.

(From L-R - Rojak, Sotong Kangkung (calamari) and satay. Not included in picture - chee chong fun and popiah)

The food... is phenomenal.


(The crowd waiting for a seat and the ubiquitous mirrors on the right)

Numerous stalls flank the house of mirrors and its neighbor next door. We decided (as we were super hungry) to try out the satay, rojak, chee chong fun, sotong kangkung (calamari) and popiah (both wet and fried). Then we sat down (we too had to share the table with another family) and were silently stuffing our face for the full 20 minutes or so. Amazing... I would recommend this to anyone heading there. In fact I might actually still consider going down there just for the food itself!


(The original trifecta of Ipoh's white coffee)

And of course, no trip to Ipoh is complete without a requisite stop to the original white town coffee restaurants (and a much needed coffee kick after lunch had morphed us into sloths). So, walking down a few blocks to the very end of the old town you will find three cafe's next to each other (all located opposite the one that claims they are the original Old Town Ipoh White Coffee (the restaurant chain)). All three are called Sin/ Xin something or other. But the original I was told is the one located right at the corner known as Sin Yoon Loong, and flanked by two more from the heyday - Sun Yuan Foong and Xin Yuan Foong (dont ask me if they are brothers or cousins or something).

(Check out the prices!)

(The Ipoh train station)

(The hotel located inside the train station)

After we finally had some grub and coffee in our tummy, we headed back to check out the Ipoh train station. Beautifully restored to its former glory as well as with the addition of modern facilities in the back (i.e. double tracking rail system). There is even an old school hotel here, known as The Majestic (not to be confused with the other Majestic hotel being built by YTL near the Kuala Lumpur Train Station nor the Majestic hotel owned by YTL in Malacca).

(The old meets the new in Ipoh Train Station)


(The entrance to Gua Tempurung)

As for our final stop, we then headed back to Gua Tempurung (Tempurung cave) which was on our way back to KL. Unfortunately for us it was raining quite heavily by the time we got there. But the upside was that we were the last three they let into the caves (yay!). In comparison to the Mulu caves in Sarawak this cave struck me as being pretty hig (or with very accessible height). Well preserved and maintained, we finally managed to catch up with the last tour group and guide for the day. They have adventure caving here for those who may be interested but would require some claustraphobic activities such as crawling through a one meter diameter hole with water filled in it for ~30 minutes. Not for the weak for sure.

(Can you see the pregnant lady?)

Seems like they also have other activities there, too bad we couldnt check it out because of the rain. Flying fox and horseback riding and fishing too! Well, since its not even that far away, I would be open to coming back (especially if we could stop by house of mirrors for food).


(Remnants from Communist days - they found this on the wall. A carving of a British car and a clock referring to the time 7:00. It is unknown what assassination/ attack plan this may have referred to)

(Inside the cave)

And so, ends our road trip this time around. Due to the heavy rain, we took slightly more than two hourse to get back, but deff worth it.

A short break

Ahhh... the beach... sun sand and a (hopefully) a helluva good time.

My company will be heading off to Phuket for its annual retreat though retreat may not be the most apt way to describing a weekend filled with training from 8:30 a.m. till ~6:00 p.m... daily. Ah well as described by most colleagues "just show up... u dont have to be sober or awake... just show up"

And so my friends I bid you adieu for this weekend (which also explains why I uploaded a few more postings beforehand) and if you were thinking about other external trips check out my best bud Peggs at http://takingtotheopenroad.wordpress.com/

Cheerios - see u in a few

Giving back to Mother Earth

I was flipping through my sister's blog (we are a family of wanderlusting vagabonds) and saw that her company had volunteered to plant trees recently. It looked like quite an interesting experience (and rolling around in the mud can always be fun) so I proposed it to my colleagues for a Social Impact event.

Organized by the Global Environment Center (GEC), there are a few different volunteer options made available for you. We were keen on the Raja Musa forest reserve rehabilitation program which allows for a larger number of people to participate together.


(The whole area to plant)


(getting a briefing on how to plant)

The Raja Musa forest reserve has gone through much including deforestation and burning for agricultural activities. So volunteers have been brought in to help plant Mahang trees. Its actually quite easy to plant them as they had already been cultivated beforehand. Your job (in a nutshell) is to dig a hole deep enough (you'll be able to hear water sloshing) stick the plant in and cover up the hole. Simple enough no?


(high ho high ho its off to plant we go)

Well getting there is a little trickier. Our bus essentially got lost and due to the drivers refusal to listen to us we ended up driving out for an additional 30 min and 30 min spent to turn back to the start. There is a map writte out quite clearly on the map. My only advice is to truly set your odometer to map exactly the distance you have travelled. Total travel time ~40 min from the city if you drive at a decent rate.


(From left to right - dig - plant - cover)

Volunteering for large groups of people (including companies) would require a donation to the center. No donations necessary for smaller scale volunteers.

Recommended gear - well essentially anything you dont mind getting dirty. Also a hat and sun block would be good. GEC provides rubber boots and gloves as well as all the tools.

Other things to note - there are no toilets there and it can get really hot in the afternoon so best to do it early in the morning. Bring a bottle of water and maybe a little cash (since an intrepid ice cream man comes by to peddle his wares in the mid morning... you will thank him for it)

More details check out : http://www.gecnet.info/index.cfm

Jumping off a bridge

Have you ever wondered what it would feel like to just let go... to walk off a ledge and just disappear. To feel that moment of free fall when the world has no claim on you. To just jump off and fly?

There have been many moments when Ive thought about it. Just pick up and go. To just disappear. No cares, no worries. Start life over all over again.

Jumping off a bridge is probably as close to obtaining that feeling as I ever could.

For a whole week, my friend J had been pestering me about trying out bungy jumping at Sunway Lagoon. For a long time my reaction was "uuurrrrr not really". I felt like a coward, like I simply couldnt do it... But then I remembered a younger me, a more daredevil me. The little girl who would climb trees and fall, the girl who would cycle with her brother through the forest on an adventure. The stunts we used to pull on the bicycle handlebars. I remembered that little girl in me and finally in a moment of strength told him

"Ok, Im in. And dont let me back out"

So Saturday morning saw me in Sunway Lagoon getting ready for the first bungy jump of my life. Its a relatively new product offering in Sunway and managed by AJ Hackett - the bungy jumping company from New Zealand. Sadly though to get in to the site you actually have to pay to enter Sunway Lagoon first. A feat that would set you back RM60 even though you may have absolutely no interest in going to the water park or the theme park (BOOOOOOO)


(The bridge you jump off is ~8-9 storey's high)

Then of course you pay an additional RM75 (if youre Malaysia, its more if youre a foreigner) to actually do the bungy jump itself.


(View from the bridge)

The jump is off the bridge in the middle of Sunway Lagoon. And I must say that I checked before committing to J about going and was relatively happy to find out that you jump over a small man made lake. I mean if Im going to jump off a bridge I might as well jump into a pool of water right? I mean... I would feel a little safer... u know, JUST in case something was to happen, I can swim. Though maybe I wouldnt be able to swim so well when Im still tied to a long arse cord...


(The pool of water you jump into... and the little boat that comes to get you)

They tie you up nice and tight and bring you to the ledge. You have two options - you could either jump off with just enough string to touch the water or you could just jump off and not touch the water. I opted for the water, because if youre going to do it, might as well go all the way right?


(Getting ready to jump)

(On a side note the guys told me that there are some adrenaline junkies who come in during lunchtime in their work clothes, do a jump, and then head back to work... I think it helps if you hate your job)

Then, you head to the ledge... and if youre lucky... you jump


(jump!)

I could wax lyrical about the beauty of the free fall or watching the sky slowly turn into a pool of water where you magically fall into... but the truth is

ITS THE MOST CONFUSING MIND SHIT YOU COULD GO THROUGH

This was my train of thought as I jumped off the bridge
"ohmygod-thisisinsane-iamsoscared-breathebreathe-isthatwater??!!-OHMYGODIMATTHEBOTTOM-makesurehandsarein-wtfwasthatit-imbouncing-imbouncing-imalive!!!!!"

Then youre left hanging upside down as a small boat comes by to pick you up.

So, now that I've tried it once and know what to expect I do think its quite enjoyable and wouldnt mind trying it again. Though honestly, it TRULY is a leap of faith...

http://www.sunway.com.my/lagoon/extreme.asp

Recommended attire : well, actually you could wear anything, just make sure its not super loose or have tassels or something. You dont have to wear shoes and if you bring a bag you can also bring it up to the bridge with you as they will lower it to the boat after you land