Enter The Tiger

Our initial plan for the Lunar New Year was to go to Padang; unfortunately the earthquake happened and my parents decided not to go (if it were up to me, I’d just go. Surely not all hotels in Padang were destroyed and surely those in Bukittinggi would hardly be affected. And true enough, this was confirmed by the Padang travel agent I met at the MATTA Fair). Unfortunately, we had since bought new tickets to Langkawi so Padang was out. And because I couldn’t secure accommodation at any of TheOrganisation’s unit, I had to book a hotel room; it didn’t help that I only learnt of the unsuccessful booking 11 days before departure and most hotels were filling up fast if not already fully booked (and as we had visited Langkawi before, my parents just wanted to be based in Kuah so that pretty much limited the choice of hotels). I finally managed to secure a room a week before departure.

We flew out early Saturday morning and arrived at our hotel before 10 am (before the shops even opened). Luckily for us, the thoughtful receptionist took pity on my parents and allowed us an early check-in. We went to deposit our bags (parents had the obligatory morning tea) before going out to check out the shops. And my, what a bright, hot day it was. It was so hot that we were back at the hotel by 2 pm to rest. I only dared to venture out again at close to 6 pm and even then, it was a hot, humid evening.

I didn’t join my parents for dinner, having decided to check out the night market instead (in front of the run-down Langkawi Baron Hotel. I bought some food to go from the night market and returned to the hotel.

Sunday was pretty much a repeat of the day before although we took a different route to the shops. By Sunday evening, I was already fed-up and bored with the dirty, dusty, hot and humid town and in fact vowed that I wouldn’t return again. The rest of the island is too touristy and runs the risk of becoming tacky – just like Bali. God, I dislike Bali especially Kuta. I found it tacky beyond words. I really don’t see what the big fuss about Bali is especially when we have equally if not better beaches here.

I braved the early Monday morning heat to get some last-minute souvenirs before returning to the hotel to rest before our afternoon flight. What a relief to be back; yes, KL is hot too but I’m very sure Langkawi was at least 5 degrees hotter. I doubt I will return to the island. There are some places you don’t mind going again and again but there are some that you just don’t want to go to ever again. And that explains why I’ve been to Rome twice as many times as I’ve been to some places like Langkawi.

Oh and we had the Sultan of Selangor and his long-time actress companion on our flight back to KL.

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It looks like we’re in for another El Niño – which should explain the unusual extreme winter conditions in Europe and the US in recent weeks. In fact – and I hope I’m not exaggerating – I wouldn’t be surprised if we’re experiencing the beginning of El Niño in the country too: it would explain the unbearably hot weather these last few weeks (give me rain over hot weather any time). And guess when the phenomenon last occurred? Twelve years ago during the last Year of the Tiger. I remember it was so bad that we had water rationing. I pray it won’t be as bad this time around.

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We all know there are ten years in a decade, a hundred in a century and a thousand in a millennium. And yet some people seem to think that 2010 is a brand new decade when it’s the tenth year of the decade – just like there were those who thought year 2000 was the beginning of the new millennium when it was the last year of the last millennium. Not a hard concept to grasp surely.

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I’m now a new follower to the drama Merlin (yes, gasp aloud all you like), having never watched any until a few weeks ago (and now in the second season too). Thanks to my nieces (because of whom, I missed the first quarter of an hour of the Arsenal-Everton match), I am now hooked to the drama. It helps that Prince Arthur (Bradley James) is such an eye-candy and I can go to bed happy every Tuesday evening. Heh. Click here for official photos of the drama, here and here for more.

In the footstep of LOL Cats, a captioned photo of Colin and Bradley. They totally dig each other it seems

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And finally (what’s a blog entry without a mention of Arsenal eh. Hey, I’m only emulating Arsenal in doing community service here), Arsenal beat Chelshit at last! Well, the reserves side did. The Gunners, bar five, are in Porto now for the match tonight; go here for their training pictures. Oh, and apparently we tried to sign Louis Saha on the last day (tsk, tsk, never ever procrastinate again, Wenger) and our to-come Chamakh will be standing in local elections next month. Chamakh Obama? Yes, we can! (Sorry, can’t resist that. Thanks to Arseblog for that line and more).

Oh and it looks like ex-captain Terry-ble and wife had kissed and made up. Amazing. But wait, there’s more scandal involving Chelshit players. Ah... that cA$hley Cow of course.

I shall leave you now with a link to great Fab moments.

Lunar New Year

I’m sure you’ve heard of the following Chinese quotation (by Lao Tze? Or Confucius?): Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.

Well, in view of the coming Lunar New Year, allow me to share with you the LOL Cats’ versions of the above quotation.

And I save the best for last:

OK, OK, enough already. Sorry, it’s been a long week. I can’t wait for the long weekend *purr purr meow*

Adek and Cesc would like to wish everyone Gong Xi Fa Cai. May we all survive the massive exodus out of the city tomorrow and back into the city on Tuesday.

Special pose from the man in red

(In any case, my quotations for now are as follows:

Cesc: ‘They denied it, I’ve denied it. I just want to focus on Arsenal. Arsenal FC is above every single player in their history. The fans and myself deserve a little more respect.’

Wenger: ‘Nothing plus nothing is nothing.’)

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I used to take the stairs up from ground floor to my office every morning (I was at the 11th floor at one point) but sadly I’ve become lazy over time. I still try to take the stairs whenever I can though. It irks me to see people taking the lift to go up or down one level (or even two), it really does. Believe me, sometimes taking the stairs takes less time.

Maybe I should consider climbing the stairs again or running to keep fit.

Or maybe I can try pumping iron.

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Big Brother is not doing well. Please spare a prayer for him if you can. Thank you.

Comedy Of Errors

The first-half of last night’s (or this morning’s) match was a comedy of errors alright. Thankfully the goal came when we needed it most: Diaby did it, heading the winner. It was a beautiful goal and could be vital in our quest to get back into the title race (yes, despite what everyone else thinks, we’re still in it: 10-man ManUre drew and Chelshit lost. If we have to rely on other clubs to defeat the other Big 3, so be it). It’s a topsy-turvy season so far and looks to continue. I saw at least one occasion when we were denied a corner, another occasion where Liverpool were given a corner (despite Song handling it over the line) and a few instances where Liverpool were given undeserved free-kicks because Stevie G kept tumbling down unaided.

It’s anybody’s guess if Cesc is going and Chamakh coming. Apparently an agreement had been reached and he was alleged to have signed a pre-contract with Arsenal (not Liverpool) but this morning’s news denied it. I’d like to laugh off the Cesc rumour comedy; yes, he does desire a return to Barcelona but not now surely. Oh, the skipper has denied it too. So back off Barcelona and all irresponsible mainstream media.

And our reserves players won over Stoke City. I must admit I don’t really follow their news but hey, Nacer scored!

Love Hurts

I cleaned micasa Saturday morning after two weekends away and after that, treated myself with retail therapy at KLCC. Indulged in a bit of mall-walking before hopping on the bus to Ampang where I tried out a massage here - bought a coupon (for a massage, a facial, a slimming programme (well, it’s included in the coupon) and a shower gel) back in December for a real bargain. Yea, I can be such a sucker for bargains. The massage offer comprised of a ten-minute back massage (where the masseuse kept saying she dared not apply too much pressure in case she broke my back bone. Huh?!) and a ten-minute session on a machine (didn’t quite catch the name) – a bit of a strange experience. There I was in my robe, hands on the side rails, standing on the machine with my feet apart and feeling myself being rocked by the machine with infrared lights beaming at various parts of my body. After a while, my tummy started to hurt and I felt myself bending over. A very strange experience I must say, but hey, if it could help lose some fat, why not?

I much prefer walking out than working out in the gym – I feel claustrophobic, uncomfortable and a tad intimidated by other gym-goers and besides I enjoy nature more. Unfortunately, I can’t seem to be able to drag myself out of bed on weekend mornings after a late night watching footie and if I do manage an early Sunday, it’s usually spent watching the footie round-ups. So in my quest to live a fitter and healthier life, I’ve made some investments in a skipping rope (not the ones we had back at school, mind you. This one is pretty sophisticated and is able to tell you how much calories you’ve burnt etc. And yes, skipping is a great way of getting fit), a gym ball (still not received yet) and an exercise mat. Now I can do my exercise in the comfort of my home, yes, even while watching TV!


My quest is to lead a healthier lifestyle so I won’t end like this
... but I don’t like gym so treadmill is out for me

Don’t ask me to do push-ups

... or sit-ups

The above are not impossible to attempt of course

But surely there are better, easier and more convenient ways to burn (more than two) calories?

I appreciate yoga has its benefits

And can help one relax (I just fear it may stress me out instead!)

But I don’t really have yoga ambitions (despite having invested in a book and a DVD)

I’m also too lazy to go out for walks, what more biking (oh the investment!)

And exercise doesn’t have to hurt (OK I know they say ‘no pain, no gain’ but still...!) or be viewed as a chore. Now, I can just do skipping and hey even hula hoop on my new exercise mat in the comfort of my home! *excited*

So it’s exercising and remembering my diet

And hopefully I will have a good body image soon! ;)

Self-love hurts: spending on yourself be it for beauty or fashion or even travel will hurt your wallet but hey, I don’t believe in depriving myself. If I die, someone else will inherit my hard-earned dough anyway so why not spend on myself while I’m still alive? After all, I’m very much worth every penny I earn and spend and more.

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And yes, love can consume you and hold you a prisoner. Love can be both suffocating and liberating. Love can heal and yet can give such pain. What is love then? All of that and more. It can be bittersweet and it can hurt.

As what I’m feeling now. Any draw hurt and any defeat hurt me even more to the very heart and core of myself.

And now I’m feeling grumpy and moody. Like this love of mine. Be kind to me please.

World Cancer Day

Yesterday was the World Cancer Day. The international campaign launched on World Cancer Day 2007 ‘Today’s children, tomorrow’s world’ is a five-year programme aimed to raise awareness about the ways we can prevent cancer through the choices we make.

Cancer can be prevented too. This year’s World Cancer Day’s theme focuses on how the risk of developing cancer can significantly be reduced through simple measures to curb or prevent tobacco use, alcohol consumption, sun exposure, maintain healthy weight and added protection against cancer causing infections. We all owe it to ourselves to live an active and healthy life.

Oh and yellow is the international colour for the fight against cancer. Coincidentally, I was wearing an orangey yellow jacket blouse yesterday.

I’m sure we all know someone close to us who was/is a cancer victim. I lost my half-sister to cancer more than two decades ago (from her maternal side; her late mother died of cancer too) and might now lose one of my half-brothers to the disease (from his self-indulgence).

Some of you may have received a cancer update supposedly from John Hopkins. Well, it’s a hoax. The responses from Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center (official name so won’t change it) experts can be found here.

Remember, we can prevent cancer through the choices we make.

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I’ve been receiving calls from hotels and resorts offering free nights’ stay, usually on the condition that either I sit through a presentation with my partner (the usual trick of time-sharing companies) or bring my partner along when collecting the voucher. Well, how could I bring my partner when he’s not even in the region? I told the last person who called me that this policy is discriminatory to single people. Well, it is. And he didn’t have an answer except that it’s a family room. Well, I do have a family too. And even if I don’t, I can always offer it to my sister or a mate. So why have the policy in the first place?

What Becomes Of The Broken Hearted

As I walk this land of broken dreams
I have visions of many things
Happiness is just an illusion filled with sadness and confusion

.
.
.

The roots of love grow all around
But for me they come tumbling down (tumbling down)
Everyday heartaches grow a little stronger, (stronger)
I can’t stand this pain much longer

I walk in shadows searching for light
Go to the light, no comfort insight
Hoping it brings someone who cares (someone who cares)
Always moving but going nowhere

I am heartbroken. I feel the burden on my heart, the pain, the heartache and at times, it’s pretty intense. I have to force myself to smile when it’s all I can do to keep from crying and I have to try hard to push away all the negative thoughts and doubts from my mind.

Oh, there have been times when I question my love and my investment in it. And when I ponder, I can’t help thinking of all the time, effort and money that I have spent and invested to date. There have been countless sleepless nights, stomach pains and disruptions to my social life that I endure, suffer and go through for this love. I don’t want to question my loyalty and faithfulness but at times like these, I can’t prevent those doubts from creeping in. Is this love worth it?

And yes, there have been times when the others question my blind devotion. But have I cared? Of course not. You can’t sway me. Like a moth drawn to the light, I keep being drawn to the beauty, I keep being lured by the allure, and I keep on believing the promises made of our great future together. But I keep getting the occasional heartache that only love can bring, I keep getting my heart broken and consequently I keep feeling the pain. What Becomes Of The Broken Hearted?

People say love should be unconditional and so I suppose I should not expect anything out of it. But I can’t help thinking that I deserve to be rewarded, I deserve my love to be reciprocated, and that I deserve a return for my investment. Surely I deserve something out of this relationship after all? Hence my expectation and wishes and hope are not anything outrageous after all because surely it’s only fair for me to expect something. Does that make me bad or unrealistic to demand or expect something in return? I admit I’m high maintenance but my demands in this relationship are pretty low, attainable, achievable and not unrealistic nor impossible, hardly anything like the dowry demands of Puteri Gunung Ledang. Maybe it’s wrong to expect too much because I’ll just be disappointed when I don’t get what I want or expect.

Sadly though, things have gone this way. One person has come between us. This person must make leave to make this relationship work because of the danger and risk posed to the relationship. For love to be in the equation, this person must be subtracted because the presence is costing the relationship. I don’t see how things can progress otherwise and I strongly believe this is the only way out because unlike a moth, I don’t care to be burnt in this relationship. Hopefully this fact will be realised soon and matters will be resolved pronto.



Oh Arsenal, why do you keep breaking my heart like this? Oh Wenger, please get rid off Almunia: he’s such a liability to the team and a horrible, awful, terrible goalie. The way I see it, he’s going to cost us the title and the season. He is our weakest link – and Denilson too. Oh why couldn’t we buy a striker or a goalie? Why weren’t we after any striker, goalie or defender? Why, why, why?

This is my love story so don’t you dare scoff. I love my club, I love my marvellous now-columnist skipper. I love his optimism, I love it that he cares, and I love it that he’s staying positive: ‘If you don’t believe, you don’t win things.’ You’re my hero, Cesc, you’re my love. (And my Captain does not indulge himself in Tiger Woods-like activities. You’re pathetic, Captain Contradiction Terry-ble. Dad of the Year, my foot.)

Oh and by the way, Barcelona, disheartened as he may be, he’s not leaving OK? He’s NOT a loser.

I Miss Saigon

Friday, 29 January 2010
An early morning flight to catch so it was an early morning start for me. Checked in bag at KL Sentral and hopped onto the train for KLIA. Managed to shop at the airport (irresistible sale!) and ran to the gate (story of my life... I must have got a workout every time I travel running after trains, to the gates, rushing off the plane for the immigration...).

Took the airport bus (bus no. 152) to Pham Ngu Lao, the backpackers’ heart of the city. The bus stop is right outside the airport, turn to your right and hey presto, it’s there - you definitely won’t miss it. It costs VND3,000 but add another VND3,000 for your luggage. The exchange rate at the airport ranged from USD1 = VND18374 to 18479. It took about 45 minutes to reach Pham Ngu Lao and that was because the driver was determined to stick to 7.4 km/hour speed limit (as was everyone else) and the bustling mid-morning traffic. As I couldn’t check in immediately, I wandered the Bui Vien street first looking at tours to Tay Binh. Half-day tours (only to Củ Chi Tunnel) and full day tours (Cao Đài temple and Củ Chi Tunnel) start from USD4 and USD6 respectively. Entrance fee for Chu Chi tunnel is not included in the tour price.

I returned back to Yellow House Hotel and checked in (I hate spiral staircase). I checked the TV and found while the volume worked perfectly clear, there was no picture. So I went down and asked to change room. The lady sent a girl who assessed the problem and changed TV for me. Better TV, better reception but alas... no Sports channels! So I went down again (I seriously hate spiral staircase) and asked to change rooms. This time, the room has Sports channels. Phew! Important consideration OK! Oh by the way, rooms in Ho Chi Minh City (I’ll call it Saigon for simplicity) are more expensive than Phnom Penh. I paid USD7 for my room in Phnom Penh and for the same facilities (private, double bed, en-suite, A/C with cable TV), this room cost me USD13 - and that’s among the lowest I could find online. But fret not. Pham Ngu Lao and Bui Vien streets are chock-full of rooms to rent. I’m not keen to share a dorm though because I don’t want people to stare at me when I perform my prayers.

After checking in (finally), I left and wandered the streets. You’ve probably heard of the crazy Saigon traffic. There are motorcycles everywhere, zipping in and out, weaving here and there, going all directions. I reckon one doesn’t need a driving licence in Vietnam. Abah would be stressed with the traffic here. Had lunch at An Lac Chay, a vegetarian resto at a small lane off Pham Ngu Lao - there are two vegetarian restos in that side street alone and there are at least six, yes six, Halal Indian restos along Bui Vien. After changing more USD to VND (I found a place which offered VND18800 for every USD1), I walked on to Bến Thành Market but I resisted the temptation and walked on to Le Loi. The shops along Le Loi sell really good stuff and some are quite irresistible. Walked on to the Tourist Information Centre at the corner of Le Loi and Nguyen Hue (there’s a lovely fountain there and behind is the statue of Uncle Ho and the lovely City Hall) to pick some maps. Oh and Internet is free at the TIC- just like in Hanoi ;)

After that, I walked on to the Opera House. At the corner, is the lovely Hotel Continental. I walked up Dong Khoi to the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office (all landmarks of Saigon). After that, I retraced my footsteps and walked around along the various streets and finally back to Cho Bến Thành. The market was closing but I went in anyway to absorb the atmosphere.

Dinner was had at An Lac Chay, the vegetarian resto where I had lunch.

Saturday, 30 January 2010

Breakfast was served at the hotel lobby. You get a banana, baguette with jam and butter, your choice of eggs (*sigh*) and jasmine tea or coffee. Not bad.

My tour shuttle van/bus came at 8.15 am and we drove off to Tay Ninh. There were 12 of us and 25 seats so it was a thankfully spacious ride. I so hate having to cramp. We drove through the mad chaotic traffic of the city to the countryside. A bumpy journey it was for most of the journey. We stopped at Handicapped Handicraft (which produces lacquerware products) for a bathroom break before continuing on. Another 1.5 hour of bumpy journey was endured before we reached the Cao Đài Holy See. We were just in time for the noon mass. There are four mass times a day: at 6 am, 12 noon, 6 pm and 12 midnight. A follower needs only attend one mass a day. There are 400 such temples in South Vietnam where all followers are concentrated. I was initially asked to remove my scarf but I declined politely explaining I’m a Muslim and they didn’t press further.

After that, we had lunch (I cook better instant noodles than that poor excuse of vegetarian noodle soup!) before proceeding to Củ Chi Tunnel. We spent about an hour at Củ Chi listening to a documentary, looking at the various tunnels and climbing into one (20 metres? 40 metres? it was quite dark down there, I wouldn’t advise anyone claustrophobic to try it).

We reached Saigon at almost 6 pm. I ventured out to Cho Bến Thành before exploring the Dong Khoi area. Dinner was again had at An Lac Chay.

Sunday, 31 January 2010

I left the hotel after breakfast and went in search of a supermarket in my effort to find coffee for Akak. I found two supermarkets alright but was not successful in finding coffee. Bahh. Walked to Vianh Fashion at Nguyen Thai Binh and bought a pair of modern baju kurung. Didn’t buy the prayer attire as had seen some at a shop near my hotel costing slightly less (plus I would only need to lug them back a shorter distance). Went back to the shop near my hotel and bought some prayer attires - enough to full my bag to maximum capacity (I felt like kicking myself for forgetting to pack an extra bag). Went back to my room to drop off my purchases and had a light meal before venturing off into the mid-day heat.It was Cho Bến Thành again and after an hour plus in there, I decided I’d had enough and left - empty-handed. I walked on to the TIC and crossed the street to DFS Galleria where *ahem* I swiped my card.

After that, I wandered around visiting the Post Office and Notre Dame cathedral area before heading back to the hotel.

Monday, 1 February 2010

Woke up to watch Arsenal host ManUre and we didn’t play well. There were glimpses of brilliance but also flashes of dreadful football. %@&*!#&)(~

Left the hotel after breakfast and walked to the bus station near Cho Bến Thành for the bus back to the airport. I just missed one as I was nearing the bus station and so had to wait another 25 minutes or so for the next one. We endured the mid-morning traffic and at one point, there was a bottleneck as one lane for both sides of road were closed off. Finally reached the airport after 40 minutes and immediately checked in. Browsed among the duty-free (I don’t know why I sometimes bother when the prices are always higher than downtown prices. And I don’t know why they call it duty-free then).

Plane took off on time and we landed at KLIA on time too. It was a breeze all the way from collecting my bag to getting the train to the bus home, so breezy in fact that I found myself contemplating a third visit to Saigon.

I miss Saigon (and no, I’m NOT Miss Saigon).

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Gosh, it’s February already. A short month and soon we’ll be in March. They say time flies when we’re having fun. They forgot to say that time flies anyway regardless.