Day 3: Langkawi

It's already Day 3! Where have all the days gone by? We get older in just a glimpse, it's so scary. Anyway, let's get it started. I have not been a super fan of aquariums, it's not the first thing in my mind when I travel. Reason being, it's usually expensive for the ticket. 

Since Aquarium was located along the Pantai Cenang / Cenang beach area, we headed to this place for brekkie. Nothing fancy, nothing special, yet it's kinda pricey considering the area we were in.

An example of the penguins at the Underwater World Langkawi. Haha. Those who have senior citizens with you, there are wheelchairs available complimentary. All you need to do is to fill in a form and voila. But bear in mind that if you're alone, it might be very challenging to push up the wheelchair all by yourself. So best is to go with 2 or 3, or if there are some kind hearted passersby, why not? Local adult is at RM43 for walk-ins, and RM40 online purchase.

By the time we were done with that, it's already lunch time. We drove past this place on the way to the airport a couple of times. Go to where the crowd goes they say. But, we were wrong. I am familiar with Malay food, at least the commercialized ones, but this is not it. Everything in this picture came out wrong. We ordered ABC too because how bad can it be? Yeah, it was really bad. Ice, coloring and sugar. 

Here, an evidence of the crowd. Perhaps, this suits their local taste but really, how is it so bad? The good thing? It's by the beach haha

After that, we went back to the hotel, went for a swim before we top up calories in our stomachs again.

We were early, we had fish, vegetable, tomyum, juice and it's more economical than I expected. Ambiance was nice, service was great and attentive. Everything was delicious! At least, it made up for the horrible lunch.

 

Places visited:

Underwater World Langkawi, Pantai Cenang

Laksa Ikan Sekoq, Jalan Kuala Kedah

Cactus Restaurant, Pantai Tengah

Day 2: Langkawi

After spending the first night in the hotel, let's start going places. In the past when I went to Langkawi, it's always getting drunk. Now that I am much older, I don't fancy those things anymore. Talking about getting older huh. haha.

Upon recommendation from the hotel's concierge, we are here filled with locals. This is their specialty, Roti Canai Sarang Burung special. 2 sunny-side up eggs, the bread is crispier than the regular roti canai and minced chicken. It was good! Damn. With so much things happening inside, it's RM 7. Not cheap but it's unique. 

After making our stomachs happy and full of energy, we headed over to Langkawi Sky Bridge. It was close when I wanted to take the cable car years ago. But, here I am now. Before going up, a note to take, it's all outdoor parking but there are a few types. The Premium parking is obviously more expensive, which is RM10 I believe? I went to the next one, which is RM5. The difference? It's just slightly nearer to the station. If you have the capability to walk, why not?

In the cable car. Price per pax for the cable car is RM45 if I'm not mistaken. Senior citizens get a discount. The view is great, overlooking the Andaman sea with the clear blue sky. There's a stop in the middle where it's nothing much to see. We didn't bother to get down because, it's just mid-way and there's nothing much there and the wait that comes after is perhaps, not worth it. We went straight up to the top with 15 minutes in total. Some gondolas are glass floor but I didn't get that. This cable car is said to be the steepest gradient in the world. The ventilation though, is just a small window on the top of each side which can be stuffy when it rains as you would close everything up. 

This is what I'm talking about. The mountains, valleys, sea and islands. It's all covered in that 15 minutes way up. When the weather is good, it's really pretty. 

Here we are up here at the highest point. It was really windy, therefore, hats off. Ignore the face haha.

This is a 10 - 20 minute-trail. At least, a little work out during vacation. Those with walking disabilities, you may take the glide which is an additional of RM6 to get to the Sky Bridge. It's not a hard hike but it's not a flat road so there may be challenges. Use the railings for assistance.

That's the bridge, super windy, I love it! Weeee.

Enjoying the cable car view going up and down haha. Okay so nearby here, there's this waterfall called Telaga Tujuh and in order to get to the waterfall is really steep. 

Next up, it's lunch time. I found this place with quite a good review so here we are to fill our stomachs. I took just a few bites due to my diet program haha. We ordered some really simple food and it's tasty! 

While driving to the restaurant earlier, I stumbled upon this place. It's a wide empty space and the ocean. Man, the wind.

Of course, the mandatory picture of me in it haha. The cloud is heavy and right after that, it rained. haha. After studying for 2 days, the rain doesn't last long like in KL. It's really just 5-minute rain. I have concluded it as the emotional Langkawi.

Next up is our alcohol shopping haha. There are so many duty frees around and we just don't know which to go. Teow Soon Huat doesn't look exclusive or extravaganza, but it was good in terms of price! We bought everything from there. The last time I was in Langkawi I came here too haha. Chocolates and alcohol. They own the supermarket too, which we bought our mineral water from and it's economical!

Dinner is super important when you're on a vacation. Quah in Kuah. With the mom, aunt and grandma together waiting. The line to this place Wonderland Food Store is super long. I learned from the past looking at how long we waited just to get in and another long wait for the food, we were there this time at 6pm. haha! After the meal 2 years ago, is it worth it? YES. If I can avoid, then we should haha. That's why we ended there at 6pm.

This is by the way, Chinese halal food to cater to the locals there. I love the squid. It's really bad for my diet but heck, I'm not there everyday, I don't eat it everyday. Everything was good except for the Lala that doesn't taste kamheong at all. This was also RM70+ haha. Prawns, squids, lala and vegetables.

We crossed the road where the car is parked and the variety of alcohol we see. The sight of it is lovely enough, especially the green ones on the right. It's RM11.50 if I'm not mistaken and KL is about RM 16.90.

We ended up taking these 2. I love 1664 Blanc as it's very fragrant. I didn't drink much except for just a few sips. I'm controlling like crazy as I have a timeframe to achieve my health goal.

It's day filled with activities. It isn't too hectic and isn't too chilled, it was just nice. No, we did not go to the 3D museum. I prefer something outdoorsy that we can do. We are blessed with the weather though, each time we get into the car, then it rains. When we are out and about, it didn't rain. Talking about perfect timing.

Places visited:

Roti Canai Otai - Kampung Bubor, Kedawang

Langkawi Cable Car

Langkawi Sky Bridge

Kuah Town Seafood , Kuah town

Teow Soon Huat Duty Free - Padang Matsirat, Kuah

Wonderland Foodstore - Pusat Perdangan Kelana Mas

Thank You!

I haven't visited the temple since the last I went when I was in school. Just because I did not put much effort in studying and being a student, procrastination is to the next level. We all know that, we have all gone through that. haha. Except, if you're studious, then it's a different story all together. It's best to pray if you fall into the former. 

For the first time in SO many years, I stepped my foot into the temple. Since 2019 was the year of retrenchment, aside of whatever I have, I still need luck to be on my side.

I'm not sure if I haven't been here for a really long time, or any other reasons, I find this really pretty. haha. In the end, I got the job. Congratulations to myself haha. Of course, I went the second time to say thank you! 

To be honest, I really like visiting temples. My current goal is Laos. haha. Hanging out with the monks sound cool. ✌

Venue: Thean Hou temple which became a tourist attraction now. 💗

Part 1: Seattle, Washington

I honestly didn't think that I'll be back here ever since I completed my Siem Reap trip which I have done half-heartedly, or maybe lesser.  Well, people Instagram these days, right? Today, I am sitting here, in Houston, doing this. It's 2.30 AM in Malaysia and I should be feeling sleepy. But, I'm not. I am trying my best to stay awake until tonight to fight the jet lag problem.

The first time I applied for a US visa I got rejected. It was in 2010. I kinda gave up until 6 years later due to the arrival of Aria and Damian. a-ha! Everything fell into place, and the next I know, I boarded the plane heading to The States!

So many people had gone to Taiwan, a few went a couple of times, telling me how amazing the country is. I have gone, I experienced it and my conclusion is, it's not my type of place. Let's do that some other time. Let's focus on Seattle now. haha. This was a layover of 3 hours.

 We were going to land in Seattle from Taipei! I was getting excited. OMG!

 So to say, welcome to Seattle. We finally arrived. The city gave me a really nice feeling.

This is the Luther Burbank Park. The happiest of all was Rocky. haha! He played water and ran like the happiest dog on Earth.

 The harbor at the park

 We went for Chinese food. Yeah I know. Haha. The sizes of the dim sum is humongous. My Lordz!

Let's not forget that, as long as there's a Chinatown, this arch is always there. All around the world, regardless if you're in US, or Asia.

Centurylink, the multi-purpose stadium. Home field for the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League and Seattle Sounders FC of Major League Soccer.

 Right beside Centutylink, there's the Safeco Field, and that's where the baseball fans are.

Randomly, over the weekend, went to Factoria and I saw the Apple store, I got a culture shock. That's like a few stores combined back home!

Happy Chinese New Year 2015!

So, yesterday, Feb 18th, was the day all the family members gather together to have a reunion dinner before the day of Chinese New Year. It's at this time that you see many shops are closed during the operation hours. This is in fact more important or significant than the first day itself.

This is the time we say goodbye to all the horses and welcome the goats. Sometimes, I see goats, other times I see sheeps, and I am confused.

Wishing everyone with abundance of joy, happiness and prosperity.

This was the family dinner yesterday. It isn't eating out anymore. It's home steamboat this year. It was so good okay. Of course, again, just like any other years, it's the alcohol again. Cheers!

A typical Chinese New Year has to start with eating lobak gou. It doesn't feel CNY if you don't eat it.

Apparently, this is the family's secret recipe that I didn't know about.

Then, the family lunch. Amazing.

Of course, a typical family will have this question of "when, what, why?" Thank God, mine isn't that. Others, good luck to you.

The first prosperity toss I had just a day before the eve of CNY. Many more to come aye? The higher you toss, the better, the more prosperous, the more happiness, and everything will be better.

As what the culture believes, there are so many things that the old folks follow with the forbidden things e.g. not to wash hair, not to sweep floor, clean stuff, wipe, and I don't even know what else. At this time of age, I don't think all those are important anymore. If you believe, it will happen. Simple as that.

UK: London Day 1 Part 2

After the sightseeing is done, we had to confirm the ticket for the shows. If you're at a far away place like this and not see any of their box offices, why? Just, why, right?

We bought for Lion King. Ah my childhood favorite. Not sure why, but I remember Lion King vividly out of so many cartoons and movies around.

This is their signature, their box-shaped telephone booth.

To be honest, an award winning gay bar? Located in Leicester Square. Something very interesting. It's called the Ku Bar.

Then, it's time to look for food. Back to the Asian food. Chinatown located at Gerard Street. The whole street is just chinese.

To a Malaysian standard, this is very super average. But, if it's by its own, I guess it's okay.

Then, a goodnight drink from Uncle Gino. What a life, right? haha

It's going to be a long day out the next day. I'm sure.

Compliments

Compliments is a very positive energy, that we have something nice to say about people, that shows admiration to a certain extent, or it just to show that you appreciate whatever you're seeing. It makes the other person feel good, it boosts your morale. Everything's good about compliments.

So there comes the Asian way of accepting compliments. People don't really know how to respond or react to it. It's just as simple as "thank you." Rather, I see people around saying the Malaysian way "got meh?," "no lah," "where got" or anything equivalent. It  really means, don't lie, no, and I don't think so. That's how it translates as. Not literally, but somehow.

I have to think it's an Asian way whenever I observe. I am not sure which part of Asian. I will guess that it's the Chinese Asian part. I read a book before, A Foreign Babe in Shanghai, and apparently, that's how people are too. It's not right to accept it in open hands. It will be considered as being snobbish and arrogant.

Foreign Babes in Beijing

As sad as it may seem, this is just probably my second or third book of the year. It's so sad. Seriously sad. I need to accelerate in reading.

I don't know what strikes me,  but during the Big Bad Wolf end of last year, I grabbed this back home too. Partly because it's cheap, and partly because I am always very interested how foreigners live in a certain place, and this in particular China. When you turn it around, an Asian who lives in US or UK, is not as bad. But, when vice versa happens, my eyes lit up to want to read this book. When it's related to big cultural differences, I get very interested.

The Journey

The Journey

This is the first Malaysian movie I have watched this year. This is about a girl who was going to get married with a foreigner, with all the obstacles they need to go through with different beliefs and traditions with a conservative background.

The actress was pretty but the acting was rather flat and emotionless. Some parts were quite ridiculous. But, let's not focus on that part.

I like how the movie flows, the actual message the director wants to deliver. It's quite a nice, straight forward movie. I really believe this movie is a success. Benji was adorable there :P

When You're Lesser

Recently, there was an article circulating around on again a known Malaysian issue. When you somewhat look different from the normal look, people will start to wonder what is your ethnicity. What are you, where are you from. Are you more of this and less of that. Or having said your origins, you get comments that you don't look as such, instead more of something else. Irritating.

I am nowhere near a mixed blood, but I get pissed. I don't know why I can relate to it one way or another. Even when you have that normal look, and you do not meet certain criteria, and even more so you don't speak that language people expect you to, then they will ask all those dumb questions that will forever irritate the hell outta me.

People, you get it, Malaysia has 3 different major races here with also the existing of aborigines together with the foreigners here. Therefore, it's not a very rare sight to be seeing people with mixed parentage. Do not ask "WHY" on the very first meet. Please.

Then, there comes the language part. Expecting every other Chinese to speak Mandarin. Have you gone insane? When you don't speak it, all these pests will be then asking why not? You're this race, you should know, and you are humiliating the whole community. Just shut up, you have absolute no reason to criticize someone just because they do not meet your darn expectations to be as extreme as you. Furthermore, yes, ancestors are from there, but not that individual. I declare and it has all been recorded that I am a Malaysian, nothing less, nothing more. Hence, I am expected to speak English. I do not hold any responsibility to make the other country proud. I was not taught that. I'm sorry. Really, it cannot get worse than that. This is outrightly exasperating and they should learn what respect is, and apply it on their daily lives. To add more to that, they should leave others alone and learn to lead their own lives that revolves their own well being instead of others. Make the world a better place, geez.

2013 Busan Day 2 Part 1

The actual trip started on the next day where I was not drained from the flight. I was fully charged! Woot woot! The weather was just the perfect day!

First, before you can even go anywhere, you need to know the name of the station. Traveling in Korea, is not like Malaysia. We can depend on their subways so much and it is affordable, unlike cabs. I mean, what's the point really in taking cabs when subways are so easily accessible? Our station was Kyungsung University. It's very common there where stations are named after Universities.

After a stop, we took a bus over to the place we wanted to visit - a temple.

Hae dong Yong Gung temple. Haha, I know the name is kinda long and this place is quite isolated, far away from the city or the people. Traveling time was quite taxing though. If you wanna know how to get there,
Haeundae Station (Busan Subway Line 2), Exit 7.
Take Bus 181 and get off at Yonggungsa Temple (용궁사).

There were the 12 animal zodiacs there

Of course, I chose my own kind - the rat. It's called  쥐 or jwi in Korean