Week 32... I think

This weekend happened to be my birthday weekend!! It was a great full weekend. On Saturday I decided to head out to the National Art Gallery with Miss C. If you've never been, well I dont know how I feel about it. This is my second time visiting within the last 3 years. The first time I happened to go with The Sculptor (Named so since he actually is an artist... a sculptor to be exact). It was nice back then, he brought me to the National Art Gallery and explained all the pieces to me including his very own piece. It feels great to hear first hand the point of view of the artist who created the pieces himself. It was also the top 30 under 30 (?) (I think) exhibition and had really amazing exhibitions.


(Entrance to National Art Gallery)


(In the lobby)

This time around though they're showcasing a lot of Nationalistic themes as well as Islamic art since its the fasting month. They also had closed down the third floor galleries as well as one on the first floor and in typical Malaysian style never even mentioned it to us nor did they put up any signs to say it was closed. I fel that the art was a little too ... literal and didnt bring much depth. Even though Im not a 'serious' art critic, it was definitely not up to my expectations.


(Miss C and the peace sign)


(The Art exhibition in the middle gallery)

From the outside the building itself looks a little run down with the roof tiles not being well maintained. Its quite sad since inside I thought it would be great to do little events and gatherings there like we used to do at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. Of course this being Malaysia and the National Art Gallery being the 'National' space, I dont think they would be big on doing events especially if it also involves serving alcohol. Though as pointed out by Miss C, people who drink alcohol would be the big spenders.


(This reminds me of the Vatican stairwell. Would be great to do an event here, but of course... no one would allow it)

The galleries themselves could also be done a bit better. There was a video exhibition being shown but the lighting and the wall made it almost impossible to actually see the video. Another thing I learnt from The Sculptor, the floors at an art gallery should never be relfective since it detracts from the piece itself.


(They really should do a better job)

My verdict? Sometimes the National Art Gallery may have good exhibitions that I would truly recommend, but otherwise, other art galleries may be better - I really do like the Petronas art gallery, and Wei-Ling gallery also has some pretty cool stuff, including a very interesting set-up.

As for Sat night, I spent the night meeting up with girlfriends from high school. Its been a while since the four of us got together and we decided to head up to Changkat Bukit Bintang for some drinks and ice cream!! at Bar Italia (have I mentioned how much I love the gelato there, and dont forget to head to the rooftop).

Best birthday day? spending the whole day pampering yourself by bringing yourself out shopping followed by a nice 1.5 hrs massage (courtesy of a free coupon). Went home for dinner and received my birthday presents from my parents.
1) A standing fan
2) A mini sewing machine

Yay! I know, not typical birthday gifts but I was really aiming for practical gifts this year since I didnt want them to waste money on things I might not like.

And then today, this came for me!



Made me smile all day =)

Week 30 : Artsy weekend

Taking it a little slow this week as I transition from my previous project to my new one. On Tuesday my family and I went to watch Cuci the Musical at Istana Budaya. Even though it was a lot of fun and I say "yay! for Malaysian talent and Malaysian art" it was FOUR.FRICKING.HOURS. There were a lot of improv comedy moments in there that also caused the draggy-ness of the show. Jacklyn Victor was simply amazing, her voice... wow. And Awie... wow. I just hope that in future we rely less on just the vanilla flavored artists to act and sing and actually harness new talent that can really do the whole singing and dancing and acting. Essentially to start breeding our own generation of Broadway stars. But yes, for a Malaysian attempt I still think it was quite good. Set was pretty amazing, but four hours???!!! seriously??!!! and nobody warned us about that either.

(Cuci the Musical)

Today I walked around KLCC and as usual dropped by the Petronas Gallery to see what new art collection was up. I must say, this time, the exhibitions were amazing. Firstly, it's contemporary art, so just a word of caution to all you renaissance/ historical art lovers. Secondly, its divided into two parts, the Young Malaysian Artists - new object(ion) and the Words+Pictures=Book exhibition. I loved the energy, the colors, the vibe of the entire exhibition. I especially loved Words+Pictures=Book as it evoked this whole sense of nostalgia and reminiscence of my childhood spent reading picture books. I loved that the Malaysian artists themselves had a go at writting one each and infusing in it the local elements. And it was just... happy, and filled with hopes and dreams, just like when you were a kid and nobody told you you couldnt actually fly to the moon.


(Inspiration from Bosch?)

(They also sell the whole collection of books!)

Tomorrow Im going to try and hit either the National Art Gallery, or watch 'Salt' the jury is still out on which one I should go for. Well, I guess depends on how I feel tomorrow.

The Banjaran

I was looking forward to this trip for a while now. After the craziness that is my job, we were given a wonderful retreat/ holiday as a thank you from the company for all the hard work. What can I say, we work hard, play hard.

The Banjaran is a wellness high end retreat located in Ipoh. Located about two hours away from KL, I must say its deff worth a visit. They recommend spending at least four days there, and after going for only 2 days and 1 night, I do strongly recommend doing at least a few days there.

There are only 25 units at the Banjaran lending to its whole exclusivity. Children under age 16 are also not allowed in. You will understand why when you get there. There are a lot of natural hot springs that are piping hot - at 70 degrees, and its quite easy to accidentally fall in if you are a child.

The background is the beautiful caves and mountains of the area. You are essentially right at the foothill of the caves and there is water water water all around you.

Your private villa will have its own personal plunge pool, an outdoor dining and living area as well as a geothermal jacuzzi. Even though its sold as a wellness / retreat area, I can easily see it as a honeymoon spot. It was all great with the exception of the fact that

1) They view coffee as eeevvvviiillll. So there is no coffee in the rooms. I had to beg to get one delivered to me. They do offer tea as an alternative though
2) There is no room service. So you honeymooners that were thinking maybe you'll never leave the room, well think again. You probably need to head out for some nosh.


(The open dining room and living room, and yes this is part of your own private villa)


(View from the bedroom. Your own personal plunge pool, with the beautiful background)


(View from the dining area. The entrance door to your own unit is to the right. It opens to your private plunge pool, and on the left hand side of the pic is your bedroom)


(Bedroom view)


(The geothermal jacuzzi at the back of the villa. If you dont want to use the natural hot spring water, they also have the treated water options)


(The his and her bathroom)

Other features that I did love about the place. Jeff's celler which is essentially a cave that has been redone to house a bar and karaoke place. Amazing!!! perfect for a company dinner or small wedding. There was also the fish spa! outdoors. You know the one where you just put your feet in and all the fish will come and nibble the dead skin around it. Really good and sanitary cleaning services. They also have two yoga decks. One is outdoors and facing the amazing view of the mountain in the back, and the second one is actually IN the cave. Pretty amazing as well. They also have a natural steam cave, a juice bar, jungle trekking... so much to do! which is why I think you need to spend a few days there. But oh well, time to show more pictures!!


(Inside Jeff's cellar)


(in case the private plunge pool and jacuzzi isnt enough, there's also the large outdoor pool)


(They have managed the natural hot spring so that you can actually soak in and enjoy it. This dipping pool was 34 degrees)


(The indoor yoga deck... inside a cave!)


(The outdoor yoga deck. Imagine waking up and stretching to this everyday!)



(The juice bar)


(Karaoke in Jeff's cellar)


(Jeff's private collection)

http://www.thebanjaran.com/home.aspx
The Banjaran
Price : ~RM 1,800 per night (no, not cheap, but pretty worth it I would say. And this includes meals and a massage)