Sushi set

Sushi for winn

Sip of beer

Time flies

19 months since I decided to start my new chapter in life. A new learning curve towards the path of certainty that the willingness to change is accepted.

Return after 2 months off

Still able to maintain the momentum, clocked at 17 minutes for 3.3KM Run.

Resume work out routine

It has been 2 months since the last time I was doing my workout frequently.

Think I have put up some weights.

Standard & Chartered Marathon 2008 (10KM RUN)

Run started at 7:40am, finished @ 8:34am. Clocked at 55 minutes to complete the 10KM journey.

Average time for every 3.3KM = 16.6 minutes

New Balance 15KM RUN

Woke up at 6am today. The Run started at 7:45am. After 10 months of intensive training, finally managed to clock at 105 minutes to complete the 15KM journey.

Average time for every 3.3KM => 23.1 minutes

Breaking Personal Record

1st Round of 3.3KM -> 22 minutes
2nd Round of 3.3KM -> 20 minutes
3rd Round of 3.3KM -> 18 minutes
4th Round of 3.3KM -> 15 minutes

Total of 13.2KM Run -> 75 minutes versus the previous record of 97 minutes

Working on the Stamina for 13.2KM Run

The following are the track record on today running:

1) Distance - (4 x 3.3KM) => 13.2KM
2) Clocked - 97 minutes
3) Last 3.3KM - 16 minutes

When I open my eyes

Hoping the weather is good today after a week of moody day.

Running

Managed to maintain the following records:

6.6KM -> 40 minutes

How long could $1M last on your latitude?

If you are thinking of retiring. Here are some facts for the cost of retiring with $1M.

In New York, it might well cost you $1M to live comfortably day-to-day for 10 years. In Norway, it is 7.5 years; South Africa is 15.5 years and Costa Rica is 19 years.

Interesting ...

Lunch

Hearty Italian bread + Toast + Cheese + Honey Mustard + Mayo + Vegie Delite meal.

Ideas

This is the chamber of ideas that have been thinking, drafting and executing for the past 10 months.

Absolut Indiana Jones

Must try..

Breakfast at Subway

Egg + Ham

iPhone3G

Was waited for 2 hours to get my iPhone3G finally. The iPhone is just stunning and it helps me lot in running my business on the move.

New attempt - 13.2KM RUN

Preparing myself for the 15KM RUN event on October. Did an attempt today and ran for 13.2KM, below is the achievement:

13.2KM => 97 minutes

Average time on every 3.3KM => 24 minutes approximately

My regular 3.3KM achievement => 15-17 minutes

Oovoo me ...

If you are looking for more than two video conferencing with friends, try oovoo.com ... It's awesome, the quality of both video and voice are excellent.

Now. you can send me video message as well..

Probability

The probability is make out of 70% of observation, 20% prediction and 10% of luck. Work around with it and you find the beauty of this "Probability".

Latest performance

My latest jog record:

Distance : 3.3KM
Fastest : 15 minutes
Average : 17 - 19 minutes

This is cool ....

Found this "ShoutDEx" stuff lately. http://www.shoutdex.com

The Myth of Climate Change

Trying to work out on "The Myth of Climate Change (MythCC)"

About MythOfClimateChange(MythCC)

To magnify the Climate Change on the impact of human kind living and create the great synthesizers to further push out the boundaries of the next great value breakthroughs by putting together disparate things as going together.

Here is one of the topic:

Why is Climate Change a Myth?

Unusual warm on 20th century. Warming on 20th century is Unnatural - meaning "Man Made". Scientists have investigated and adapted the finger print methodology based on the past temperature data so call "Forensic Detective" - reconstruct the temperature record.

From 800 to 1300 AD. There is little warm period warmer than today, little ice-age that was extremely civilian cold and the 20th century is not unusual.

Myth cause: Is today Climate Change Man Made or natural caused?

Smooth moment

Woken up at 4:30am, get ready all my shooting gear and headed to MacRitchie Reservoir to meet my colleague to catch up the sunrise at 6:45am. Had few nice shots and still in the process of learning using the Nikkon D40 (DSLR) camera.

Came back at 11am, felt tired and knocked off. Went for movie in the evening "The Resident Evil - Extinction"

Nice Quotes

"Vision without execution is a hallucination." -- Thomas Edison

Sometime, you need this for self-motivation.

One fine day - Tuesday

Accidentally found out this music site call "iMeem". . It has all you want especially the "Quality".

Was off work from office and stood at the Bus Station, somehow someone poked me at the back and voiced up "I know this guy". I turned my head back, how on earth you able to get in touch with the friend that have lost contact for ages. Sometime, the world is too small to accommodate human being.

Cheers out

Laugh for the weekend

It was ages since the last I have updated my blog. In fact, I have nothing to write and wanted something to chill out. "BE A MEN, DO THE RIGHT THING", it makes you laugh.

Delhi - INDIA

Delhi airport wasn't as you expected it as modern airport. For first time traveller travel to Delhi, ensure you either have the cab arranged by the hotel or you could opt to rent the "prepaid taxi" at the arrival hall gate. Do not take any "Auto" if you're not familiar with the place as people may rib you off (money).

Delhi food is as good as northern region food such as Tandoori and etc.


Delhi Airport





















Bomb Alert
























Delhi Food

Dreams on US ???

Have recently found this blog somehow, don't ask me further !! No harm to read it and give you some hints and clues in life :)

Her dreams to State - Another story but its real and she made it

Check it out ...

"Au revoir" HongKong

This is my second time leaving Hong Kong (at Hong Kong International Airport) and catching up the flight back to Jakarta for some urgent meeting and works.

Flight at 10:30am (local time), arriving in Singapore (transit) at 2pm (local time). Flight from Singapore to Jakarta at 5:30pm (local time). Temperature in Hong Kong before i left was at 12 degree celcius. Arrived Singapore and temperature was at 27 degree celcius (after about 4 hours journey). Transit to Jakarta and the temperature in Jakarta was at 33 degree celcius.

This time stayed in Hong Kong for about 2 weeks for business trip. Celebrated both Christmas and New Year in Hong Kong too. Was stayed in two places namely "YesInn Hostel" and "The Knutsford by Swiss-belhotel". Staying in the budgeted hostel for business trip was my first time. Two concerns of staying in the budgedted hostel. 1) Your laptop, 2) You travel and business documents. Fortunately, the owner of the hostel is too nice to be trusted. :) The fun part is that you met lots of people you do in regular HOTEL as many foreign budget travellers are choose to stay in Hostel (cheap).

Have almost travelled the entire Hong Kong this time !!

What can you do with HKD$2.20 and HKD$1.70 in Hong Kong

Never thought of with HKD$2.20 or HKD$1.70, you can do something in Hong Kong. Believe it or not, newspaper cost around HKD$6, coke cost HKD$5, what can you really do with HKD$2?

:) At least but not last, you can take the Ferry to cross the victoria harbour between Hong Kong island and Kowloon. Top deck of the ferry cost HKD$2.20 whereas lower deck cost HKD$1.70

Macau, CHINA

If you are in Hong Kong, you must take a day trip to Macau. It only takes 1.5 hours to Macau. Unlike Hong Kong, Macau was hand over to CHINA on year 1999. In west, you have Las Vages, in east, you have Macau. Macau is a gambling country. You see lots of CASINO everywhere. Indeed, the "Casino Lisboa" is still one of its kind :)

How to get there from Hong Kong
- Go to MACAU-HONGKONG ferry at China Ferry Terminal at Tsim Sha Tsui
- They are two companies that running the passanger service to Macau. Both are good.
- Cost HKD$150 (approximate USD$20) for single trip

Casino
- Lisboa (classic and been well known)
- The Sand (new casino - you see it when you depart in the terminal)

Tourist Spot
- Macau Tower
- Fortree of Mong Ha
- Fisherman Wharf
- Av. Almeida Ribeiro (San Ma Lo - pronounce in cantonese), the only shopping hotspot in Macau

Food
- You should try the "Portugese Tart". Get the "Portugese Tart" in Ruins of St. Paul
- This is must try when you are in Macau, "Chu Pa Bao" - Pork Bun. Walk along the Av. Almedia Ribeiro and Central. You found it, otherwise ask the local when you are in these two streets.

Macau(n) speak fluent cantonese as in Hong Kong. As usual, not many speak good english but it wasn't bad for them to understand you. Student can speak good portugese and this is very impressed me somehow :)..

You can use HKD in Macau but not vice versa. HKD is widely accepted and you don't need to change your currency note if you do have HKD. Exchange rate between HongKong and Macau dollar is not much different, probably couple of cents. Thus, you don't bother. It always good to keep some local currency :)

Macau - CHINA

Woke up by a phone call (ringing) at 9am. Searching for my phone and found it in the loo and phone is still charging. Answered the call and my friend said "Ray, what are you doing? Do you know what are we going to do today!" ... Immediately, I was waken up and left my phone back for charging (of course I do replied my friend and not just shut the phone off) ...

Was a lovely day :) .. Temperature at between 17 - 20 degree celcius.

Took the MACAU-HONGKONG ferry at China Ferry Terminal at Tsim Sha Tsui wharf. It cost about HKD$150 for single ticket and approximately 1-1.5 hours journey to reach MACAU and vice versa.

In MACAU, been to the following places:
- Fortree of Mong Ha
- Casino Lisboa (lost HKD$200)
- Fisherman Wharf
- Macau Tower
- Av. Almeida Ribeiro (San Ma Lo - pronounce in cantonese), the only shopping hotspot in Macau

You must last but not least try the local popular "CHU PA BAO" - Pork Bun.

Note: HongKong Dollar is widely accepted in MACAU but not vice versa. You are not going to believe it, you heard about Lan Kwai Fong in HongKong, apparently there is "Macau Lan Kwai Fong" on the map.

Le Mont St Michelle, France - Racing Town ?

I been to Le Mont in France but i did not know that it is a racing town (A1 or F1).

Watched the David Lettermen late show and he invited one of this young chap thats the winner of the recent A1 racing or something. The chap was from Le Mont, the 'Racing Town'

Hong Kong , CHINA - Looking for bargain hotel

Visit the following website of Holiday City if you are looking for hotel with reasonable price.

Most hotel can be find between the range of USD$70 - USD$120. Range 3 to 5 stars.

Hong Kong , CHINA - Cheap stay 'YesInn Hostel'

If you are looking for budget stay in Hong Kong, please visit the following hostel at YesInn Hostel

It located at Fortress Hill MTR station, Hong Kong Island. About 5 minutes train from causewaybay. It cost you about USD50 per night. The owner is nice and speak english. Deposit of HKD150 (USD15) is needed, and the owner prefer you to pay by cash instead of credit card (additional 4% surcharge using credit card)

Type of room:
- Single ensuit
- Double ensuit
- Twin beds ensuit
- Four persons Dorm

Flat L&M, 16/F, Railto Mansion, 183 King's Road, Fortress Hill. Hong Kong
Tel: +852 83386464
Fax: +852 8338 6467

Hong Kong , CHINA - Crossing Victoria Harbour by Ferry

If you are in Hong Kong, you should try the ferry crossing the victoria harbour. It costs you about HKD1.7 (USD0.20) for lower deck and HKD2.20 (USD.30) for upper deck seat.

If you feel bored of traveling via the MRT, tram and buses, you should take a ride on the ferry to feel the Hong Kong only water transport.

If you are in Kowloon penisular, come to Harbour City dock (or near to Kowloon Hotel). If you are in Hong Kong Island, come to IFC - MRT Central Station. Take the star ferry from both dock station.

You can't buy anything with HKD1.7 but you can cross the channel with HKD1.7...

Hong Kong , CHINA - Top Deck Restaurant at JUMBO

You must heard about JUMBO restaurant in Hong Kong, the only floating restaurant available in Hong Kong.

Apparently, Jumbo is owned by Stanley. Top Deck restaurant at Jumbo meaning there is another restaurant located at the roof top of the JUMBO and it calls "TOP DECK". A very nice atmosphere and particulary the sofa (apparently, the sofa couch cost HKD10k each). Any kind of foods available, fushion, western and etc. Of course if you fancy chinese then you should go down to the ground floor of JUMBO restaurant.

Top Deck at Jumbo is owned by a group call Cafe Deco.

A regular two person meals could cost you around HKD200.

How to get there?
- You can either take the bus number 70 in IFC (central station), stopped at Aberdeen terminal. Ask the local to guide you from there. It takes about 5 minutes walk to the boat terminal that Jumbo boat will fetched you to the JUMBO restaurant. The boat to JUMBO restaurant is FREE

Note, Please do make an advance reservation. A very romantic place for dining (surprise your love one)

Jumbo Kingdom
Shum Wan Pier Drive
Wong Chuk Hang
Aberdeb Hong Kong

Reservation number: +852 255523331
Fax number: +852 255521525

Top Deck Restaurant at JUMBO - HONG KONG

JUMBO Restaurant, the only knowns and famous floating restaurant in Hong Kong, owned by Stanley.

Cafe Deco Group restaurant, somehow rented the Top Deck portion on the floating restaurant and transform it to FUSHION kind of restaurant (name it as TOP DECK at the JUMBO :) eventually ). A very nice atmosphere, place to relax and chilled out. Check out the sofa seats, ask for a glass of wine and lay yourself on the couch, you have nothing say more.

How to get there?
- You can either take the bus number 70 in IFC (central station), stopped at Aberdeen terminal. Ask the local to guide you from there. It takes about 5 minutes walk to the boat terminal that Jumbo boat will fetched you to the JUMBO restaurant. The boat to JUMBO restaurant is FREE

Note, Please do make an advance reservation. A very romantic place for dining (surprise your love one)

Jumbo Kingdom
Shum Wan Pier Drive
Wong Chuk Hang
Aberdeb Hong Kong

Reservation number: +852 255523331
Fax number: +852 255521525

Average spend for a bowl of mussels, clamp, robster, cocktails, beers, and dessert cost about HKD700. Regular two persons meal could cost HKD100 to HKD250.

Christmas in Hong Kong

Arrived in Hong Kong on 22nd Dec 05. Temperature was 12 - 17 degree celcious.

Today, walked along from fortress hill to IFC. Dropped by:
1) Hong Kong Covention Centre
2) WanChai ferry port - Star Ferry to Tsim Tsa Tsui and Hung Hum.
3) Admiralty
4) IFC Mall - paradise for women. Checkout the MidLevel escalator from oneIFC. Take the sight seeing bus to PEAK from IFC.
5) Macau & Mainland China Ferry Port. Take MRT to SheungWan station, take the exit E4. A economy class to Macau cost HKD150.

At 8pm, had Shanghai dinner with barlow and his girlfriend at Kings Road near causeway bay. After dinner, hop in to Cafe Deco at SOHO, had some hot wine and celebrated christmas. Then later, took a cab to the PEAK and enjoy the night panaromic view at night during christmas. For supper at 2am, went to LanKuiFong.

Jakarta, INDONESIA - Best View of Jakarta at ZOOM

If you would like to get the best view of Jakarta at night. Dropped by 'ZOOM' lounge. You must love it so much. It located next to Nikko Hotel.

ZOOM Resto & Lounge
Wisma Nusantara 28th Floor,
Jl. Mh. Thamrin Kav. 59.

Tel #: 021 3900909 ext 7668, 7669

Jakarta, INDONESIA - SATE PANCORAN

U must have tried the Satay in Malaysia, Singapore but you should try the Satay here in Jakarta but here it call "Sate"

Order:
- Sate Kambing (Lamb)
- Sate Bebek (duck)
- Sate Ayam (chicken)

The Best Sate in TOWN

SATE PANCORAN
Jl. Raya Pasar Minggu No. 33 - 44 -55
Phone: 7992276
Jakarta Selatan

Jakarta, INDONESIA - Korean food in Java Island

If you are fancy of Korean Restaurant, visit the following:

TOBAK Korean Restaurant
Jl. Woltermonginsidi No.30
Jakarta Selatan.
Reservation: (021)7203642

Tell the Blue/Silver Taxi Driver send you to Seniopati, Jl Woltermonginsidi

Foods
Order for "Yuk Get Jang", Rice Soup + moderate spice (Rp60k or USD6), Side dishes are free (gratis)or try to order "Bulgogi"

Jakarta , INDONESIA - more places to hang out

If you are eager to step out and look for more new places in the evening in particular. Grab a bluebird taxi and ask the driver to send you to "Kemang". In "Kemang", you find lots of pub, club and restaurant. The area is decent with nice atmosphere, many expats and visitors hang out here too.

Check out the NewBeat cafe music @ lounge, there is this decent female singer performed on stage. Haven't you try sweet beer? and thats the "NewBeat Beer" would cost you Rp68,000 (around USD$5)

Alternately, check up the "Millennium" at KOTA.

Another day in the city call "Jakarta"

Came back to Jakarta on the 16th Nov 2005 after the bussiet days in Hong Kong last week. Was suffering (stomach pain) for the past 3 days and locked myself in the hotel for recovering.

Today, a fresh and energetic monday for me. Have accomplished some of the tasks. Hopping around few places today in Starbucks (2 places) and finally now at this newly opened cybercafe call "24" in Sarina Plazza. One thing i like about it is that, the hotspot is free and they are doing a soft launch now. Good deal huh :) .. Spent most of mine time today for some work email, and some clarification with client via internet chat.

Astonishing, many of the workers here in "24" speak moderate english. Suprised me !

Time now nearly to 7 in the evening, feel tiring, will be off soon, grab some take away food and work in the service aparment later.

Bravo ..

Hong Kong, CHINA - some places to visit

Hong Kong Island
- Causeway bay
- WanChai
- Central
- Lan Kwai Fong
- The longest escalator
- Mid-level
- Walk along Hollywood Road
- Walk along Hennesy Road
- The Peak (Cafe Deco Restaurant or call as "Peak" restaurant, panaromic and astonishing view)

Kowloon Penisular
- Tsim Sha Shui
- Jordan
- Tai Wo (the 2nd last station before the Shenzhen station border)
- Kwai Fong
- Avenue of Stars
- Nathan Road (lots of shopping shops)
- New World Centre

Say Hi to Cathay and Bye to HongKong

Leaving Hong Kong today. Taking a 3:45pm flight to KLIA. Was in the airport 2 hours before depature and hang around in the airport. Hong Kong has a good airport in term of space, environment, atmosphere. Particularly the seat for passanger to take rest before take off. Check out the seat, it's really cool and different from others good airport that i have visited so far.

All airports that i have visited gave me different feeling and left me different moments as the "Big Bird" will take me back to where i supposed to be at this point in time.

Virgin Step Down in Hong Kong, CHINA

Date 3rd November 2005. Arriving in Hong Kong, Hong Kong International Airport, local time @ 2pm, temperature was around 25 - 29 degree celcius. This is my virgin visit to Hong Kong for business trip.

Was in Hong Kong for 9 days. Was staying in the following hotels: The Excelsior Hotel at Causeway bay, The Emperior Hotel at WanChai and The Kowloon Hotel at Tsim Sha Shui. All these hotel cost around USD$200 - USD$250 per night.

Spent most of my time in the evening at pub, restaurant and club. It was a short stay in Hong Kong and visited the following places:
Hong Kong Island
- Causeway bay
- WanChai
- Central
- Lan Kwai Fong
- The longest escalator
- Mid-level
- Walked along Hollywood Road
- Walked along Hennesy Road
- The Peak

Hong Kong Island
- Tsim Sha Shui
- Jordan
- Tai Wo (the 2nd last station before the Shenzhen station border)
- Kwai Fong
- Avenue of Stars
- Nathan Road (lots of shopping shops)
- New World Centre

Apart from that, I have visited one of the private party that my friend brought me to near Causeway bay. It was late night and we were the last guest hopping in for final laid out. :)

The next time I am coming back to Hong Kong I will definately to see the truely Hong Kong. :)

Hong Kong, CHINA - Mamamia

Night spot

The most popular hang out places are in "Lan Kwai Fong" in Hong Kong Island. Another hang out area is "WanChai" in Hong Kong island too. Others such as "Causeway Bay" in Hong Kong island and "Tsim Shai Shui" in Kowloon Penisular are mostly local hang out hotspot areas.


Cost
- A regular noodle soup cost HK$20
- A service apartment cost around HK$15k to HK$30 for 400sqf to 800sqf (1 bedroom size)
- Foods consumed in HongKong Island is more expensive than in Kowloon Penisular


Life In HongKong
- A fresh graduate get paid around HK$6k - HK$8k per month. The ideal salary will be at HK$15k per month.
- Most of the white collar working class staying with their family members in one roof.
- Most people in Hong Kong are workaholic, they work till late night at least 8 or 9pm, sometime they got to stay till midnight.
- Working hours is from 8 to 6pm.
- People in Hong Kong like travelling, most of the young generation now tend to save money to travel at least once a year.

Hong Kong, CHINA - Virgin #2

Airport Name
Hong Kong Internation Airport

Hong Kong is splitted to two continentals, Hong Kong Island and Kowloon Penisular.

Public transport in Hong Kong
- Taxi from the airport to Hong Kong Island cost HK$300 approximately
- Bus from the airport to Hong Kong Island cost HK$140 approximately
Public transport in Hong Kong is so convenient and you wouldn't think to take taxi once you have tried the buses, trams, and MTR.

Note, remember to buy the "All in One card" - Octopus. It cost HK$150 for firt time buyer, it has the deposit of HK$70 and credit value of HK$80 inside the card. Apparently, you can obtain the refund of the remaining credit if you leave the country but additional handling fee of HK$7 will be charged.

"Awful Day", "Nice person" and would you believe it "CCTV with no tape recorded"

Left Jakarta on the 2nd November early in the morning, arrived in KLIA Airport (Kuala Lumpur) at 3pm. I lost my suitcase beg that contains laptop, petty cash (USD, RP, SGD and RM), old PDA and some important documents.

I left my suitcase in front of me on the public telephone booth at KLIA. A taxi driver was talking to me while I was calling someone to pick me at the airport. After I told the taxi driver that I do not need taxi and turned my head back to the public phone, I noticed my suitcase has gone (lost).

Has reported to the Police Officer in KLIA, apparently, they couldn't do anything. The funniest thing was that the KLIA airport officer told me that wasn't any tape recorded via the CCTV that attached in the crime scene. Would you believe it? In this case, the Malaysia government has to do something on it.

On the same day, at 8pm, someone has called me that her husband has found my passport and the suitcase beg. I was so surprise that how can this be ! I met them in a very remote area near seremban. According to the husband, he saw some black object on the road while on his way back home after work. He was surprised too that only the laptop and the PDA were got stolen and not anything else (not even the cash).

I was so appreciated that this couple has found my laptop in particularly. Thanks to them ! How would you define the nice person? You tell me ...

Jakarta, INDONESIA - Expiry Date

It is important to check out the expiry date of every single grocery items you buy from the regular grocery store in down town except those super store such as Carrefour and etc.

Do not attracted by the cheap 'Pricing' tag on the items. Checked the expiry date label before you put it into your basket.

Jakarta, INDONESIA - Visiting Around

Central Indonesia

- Jakarta, located at the centre of Java island
- Bandung, located at the west of Java island
- Surabaya, located at the east of Java island
- Yogyakarta, located at the south of Java island

From Jakarta to Bandung by car => 3 hours max approx
From Jakarta to Surabaya by flight => 45 minutes approx (flight ticket cost Rp600,000 one way (USD$60)
From Jakarta to Yogyakarta by flight => 6 to 8 hours approx (flight ticket cost Rp600,000 one way (USD$60)

East Indonesia

- Kuta (favorite beach, recent bombing tragedy), located at Bali Island
- Bedegul beach (recommeded by local), located at Bali Island
Note: Apart from the famous Bali island, local community recommended Lombok island. Got to check this out !

From Jakarta to Bali by flight => 45 minutes approx, flight ticket cost Rp600,000 one way (USD$60)

Flight ticket is sell for one direction instead of the regular return ticket. According to the locals, they rather to pay for one way direction by flight and return by sea or road due to they can spend time enjoying the scenary.. Weird huh ! :)

Watch Out (Red Alert):
- Do not take Lion Air, private Jet as they were one of the many plane crashed accident occured (althought they are the cheapest) in Jakarta
- One of the news for Lion Air Flight

Jakarta, INDONESIA - Casablanca

casablanca - acted by Ingrid Bergman, the daugther of Friedel Bergmen. she from Stockhom - Sweeden . You must be asking what does that related to? Tell yah, there's a road name here in Jakarta name Casablanca.

Weird huh, Indonesia Vs Sweeden ?? There isn't any relation at all even from the history perspective !!

More about Casablanca

Jakarta, INDONESIA - Recommended Taxi Driver

If you need help of direction, need to be picked up on time, get lost, call this taxi driver name "Ismet" from BlueBird Taxi. He can speak and understand moderate english.

At one time, after work, I asked this taxi driver to bring me to some good place in Jakarta to grab my dinner take away. He was so nice, we got off from the taxi, accompanied, guided me to grab my take away indonesian local food at one of the hawker store at Menteng Road.

Call this number of "7801288", and tell the operator to look for "Ismet" to pick you at so and so.

Note, not all taxi drivers speak decent english. Will say 1 or 2 out of 10 can speak moderate english.

"Right Taxi, Right Fare "- Jakarta

Was in Jakarta for almost 2 weeks for project. Heard lots from the local about "Right Taxi, Right Fare" and the locals recommended "BlueBird" taxi as they claimed the rest of the taxi drivers are not honors to the passangers.

I give myself a chance to experiment this. Today, after work from the customer site, I managed to catch a regular taxi. On the way to the destination, the taxi driver showed me the 50,000 Rp.. As i pretended that I do not understand indonesia language, at one point he stopped his car and ask for the help from another taxi driver of how to say "taxi fare is 50k Rp" in english. On the other hand, the other taxi driver told him that "money". He against keep telling me about "money" and showed the 50,000 Rp.

I pretended that I do not understand and turning my head and palm left and right. While almost close to the destination point, the taxi driver immediately reset the fare meter machine. I have noticed that and quickly shouted on him that "why do you reset your fare meter?" in english. He then showed me the 50,000 Rp and I keep asking the same question. Before he reset the fare meter, the taxi fare showed on the meter is 20,000 Rp. At the destination point, before I take off from the taxi, I showed my 2 fingers indicating of 20,000 Rp (assume that he comprehend the universal sign language :) ) whereas in return he showed me 30,000 Rp. I was really frustrated, pointing to the fare meter and taking out 25,000 Rp from my wallet. He has no accused to accept the money.

For everyone information, do not expect the taxi driver have your's change for the taxi fare. Treat the leftover as "Tips" for the taxi driver. Be realistic, 1,000 to 2,500 Rp is nothing really for foreigner as its only cost USD$0.10 to USD$0.25 approximately.

My advice -> take "BlueBird" or "SilverBird" as both are from the same group of company. The largest taxi group in Jakarta.

Jakarta, INDONESIA - Listen to Nothingale

A friend of mine (indonesian) told me that even he himself find Jakarta is not a safe place to live especially after the economic downturn crisis on 1997. People here are suffering to survive.

Do not walk alone at night at the park or sort of remote area that are not noticeable in downtown. You will get robbed, pick-pocket, bullied and if you against these bunch of ppl, they willing to kill you for just a dollar with you.

The city is dirty and trash all over the places (particularly in small alley). You will see taxi driver throws trash on the middle of the road during traffic congested hours. Sometime, you see and notice some ppl (family) living under the flyover. Many of them standing in the middle of the road to sell bottle of mineral water, newspapers and so forth. For that, they most probably earning about USD$0.05 for a bottle of mineral water sold.

The regular salary of Vice President or President in the established company (IPO) is approximately USD$2,000 (excluded benefits and etc). People here are not aggresive and they are neither a risk taker as they would stay in the company for 10 years with the little increment of salary. As my friend said, to be rich in indonesia, you are either a robber, politician or businessman.

On the street, you see many of the young teenagers sitting around doing nothing. If you are having your's meals at the hawker store particularly in Sambang Road, oftenly you will be disturbed by these group of teenagers that come to entertain you with singing and playing instruments (another way of begging). The local community will not reluctantly to keep feeding (donate) them with 1,000Rp (USD$0.10) to 2,000 (USD$0.20) every 5 to 10 minutes depending on how long you stay for your's meals.

During this time, sunrise will be at 5am while sunset at 6pm. Ppl start working at 7am to 7:30am and off at 5pm to 5:30pm.

Green Fairy - La Fée Verte

Bullock, "Absinthe" drink ... This drink was prohibited by many countries in the 1915's. It is probably illegal for someone outside the country to sell and purchase this drink, check out with the right authority in your present country.

The uniqueness of this drink are perigord glass and tour Eiffel Spoon. This special slotted spoon designed so that a sugar lump can be placed on it & water dripper over so that it dissolved into the absinthe.

You wouldn't believed how bizzare it is if you turn Absinthe into the cocktail drink. Try this Absinthe cocktail

I will definately grab this drink soon. :)

Read more about Absinthe.
Selling @ E-Absinthe
Hop to this site of "Absinthepedia :)

Wouldn't it be nice !

This song really meant by what it supposed to means and wake me up - Wouldn't it be nice if we could wake up, in the morning when the day is new

Wouldn't it be nice by beach boy

"Contact" in your's trusty bank

What if you have lost your monies?
- You wouldn't really mind sometime
What if you have lost all your's contact?
- This is worried by everyone in the 21st century.

People save their monies in the bank, but no people save their contacts in the bank. As simple as that, contact as vital as money nowaday.

I lost my mobile phone today, I wasn't sure where I lost my phone. It could be in the superstore (carefour - Ambassador Plazaa, Jakarta) or in the taxi. Lossing my mobile phone meaning loosing all my contact. Fortunately, I have save some of my important contacts in my trusty bank (small PDA and Laptop). Somehow, I lost almost 80% of my contacts. Perhaps, through email I could recover the lost.

Bear in mind, contacts and monies are so important in everyday life.

Contact = Mobile Number or Email Address
Money = $$$$$


You can borrow money but you can't borrow contact,
It is fine to loose USD1,000 or more but its not fine to loose your contact
You can find your money back easily but its hard to recover your contact if you lost it

A Happy Aloneness

If you do not have friends to accompany, what will you do? Will you sitting, walking, shopping, enjoying the moment alone by yourself? Aloneness doesn't mean that you are isolated from the society, it's a short moment that you contributing much of your time for yourself rather than others.

Am @ the StarBuck cafe at Plazza Indonesia (Jakarta), sitting in the cafe to check my email before my appointment at 1:30pm later with client.

...To be continue later... off for an appointment..


Came back after work at 9:30pm, got myself a take away food on my way back home. Back to the note this afternoon about aloneness. In the cafe, there were 3 individuals dropped by for a cup of capucinno. The first was the western old man, second was a young chinese lady and the latter was the western young lady. Three of them were having coffee, reading book, surfing computer, watching out the window and all these actions are triggered between themselve when they are alone. This tell you that, they are busy and happy of being aloneness.

Jakarta, INDONESIA - "BlueBird" Vs "SilverBird'

What is blue bird and silver bird? What it got to be do with Jakarta. Indeed, remember this two Blue and Silver Bird. You'll be safe in Jakarta.

They are the trusted, honest taxi in the town from one of the largest taxi company group in Jakarta.

- Reasonable taxi fare
- Friendly taxi driver
- You willing to pay the tips to them although they don't ask

An advice from local community, please take "BlueBird" and "SilverBird", do not that others regular taxi unless you have no other alternative.

Jakarta, INDONESIA - Ideal & cool place for stay

If you have budget and wanna to look for more space, service aparment is the ideal accommodation for you. The ideal and affordable service apartment is at ASTON (Rasuna) HOTEL & RESIDENCE at Taman Rasuna.

Address (Check-in):
Tower A - Lower Ground
Kompleks Apartment Taman Rasuna
Jl. H.R. Rasuna Said - Jakarta 12960
Tel: +62-219391000 / +62-2183705555
Fax: +62-219392616
Toll Free: 0-800-1-221-000


It cost about Rp500,00 (USD$60) per night wiht 2 bedrooms, dining and living rooms, kitchen utensil provided, washing and dryer machine (2 in 1), Satellite TV channels, microwave, gas cooker, cleaning up every morning for all you pan and pot, the first mineral water 19 litres bottle is provided FOC, included daily breakfast.

Rp20,000 (USD$2) - to refill mineral water 19 litres bottle
Rp80,000 (USD$8)- Daily (24hours) internet access

Facilities:
- Tennis court, swimming pool, gym, grocery store, launderette, bar & cafe
- Driving range (hiring club is available) is only 5 minutes walking distance from the HOTEL APARTMENT
- A regular shopping market (food court), 10 minutes walking distance
- Setiabudi21 food centre with all sort of decent restaurant, 15 minutes walking distance


Lovely i can say.

Note, to refesh your mind, remember the tragedy of "The terrorist bombing of the Australian Embassy in Jakarta on Sept 9, 2004" (Victim - Australian Embassy in Jakarta? The Aston Hotel & Aparment is located 10 minutes walking distance from the Australian Embassy.

Simple yet Tasty - "Pacel Lele"

"Pacel Lele", the name of the local food in Jakarta. Its only available in the evening. A plate with a "Lele" fish, few pieces of cucumber, mints leave and chili sauce and that is your dinner.

Most of the lower income earning families in jakarta like and enjoying pacel lele so much. Note, it only cost Rp7,000 (USD$0.70)

Jakarta, INDONESIA - Kicking your arse up

Cool place to drop around

Red Light District
- Mango Besar

Pubbing and clubbing
1) Cafe Pisa - Pub, Lounge, Live Peformance and decent dinning place. As the name, you find italian food here.
2) Hard Rock cafe, f-bar - Plaza eX (next to Plaza Indonesia)
- You must check this F-Bar in Plaza eX. A cool place to chill out :)
4) 24 hours StarBuck, Manchester United Bar - Plaza Sarina
+ Wireless Hotspot offer at StarBuck is not free and you pay Rp44,000(USD$4.40) for an hour traffic.
+ Dropped yourself at the MU Bar if you got spare time.

In addition, you can find decent restaurants, pubs in Citos. Tell the taxi driver to drive you to the "Citos" for drink and dine. Taxi driver know the place and the taxi fare is around Rp40,000 (USD4.00) to get there from the downtown.

Restaurant
1) Eating sushi on the women body (Sushime) - KOTA
+ Sushime is for men, don't they have something similarly for women call "Sushim" .. Sus'him' Vs Sushi'me' :) Apparently, Sushime is a girl name in indonesia.
2) Place such as "Sabang" is recommended. You'll get all sort of local foods there.

Traffic
- You see traffic congested all days 24/7 (day time)
- The only hours that you find peace in the city is in the evening between 8:30pm to 12pm

Jakarta, INDONESIA - Food & Eating

You should try the following local and authentic food in Jakarta

Local Foods
1)Sayur Asem - Sour vegetables soup with cone, long bean, white carrot and etc. Cost only Rp6,000
2)Sop Buntut - try the fried and grill type in Hotel Borobudu - Bogor Cafe. Cost only Rp80k - USD8
3)Pecel Lele - Chili dip, few slices of cucumber, mints leave, Lele fish and rice. Cost only Rp7,000 (find it at Sambang Street)
4)Nasi Pandang - Chili dip, bunch of local vege leaves, either a piece of chicken or beef, source and rice. Cost only Rp 7,000(USD$0.70)
5) Soto Betawi Soup - A soup with slices of beef, tomatoes, fried onions, and sour. Cost around Rp10,000 (USD$1)
6) Nasi Tembel - Similar to Pecel Lele but taste differently, cost aroud Rp7,000(USD$0.70)

Note, all above foods can be obtained from Mentang or Sambang Road hawker stores.

Local Drink
1) Avocado juice drink
2) Poci Tea - Tea in the pot (only available in the center of Java island)

Others Drink
1) Green Tea frappuccino - StarBucks
2) Caramel apple cider - StarBucks
3) Java jungle cocktail (tequila, galliano, bacardi and pineapple) - Citos, Tartine Restaurant

Using public toilet cost Rp1,000

"Gondola" on the sky

Was been attracted by this name of "Gondola". The first weekend in Jakarta I dropped myself at this "Ancol" sea front. It wasn't a great beach as I expecting. While walking along the stone beach i noticed the following sign board of "GONDOLA".

Recall the Gondola in venice, Italy. Keep searching for the Gondola and finally it wasn't the GONDOLA as I thought it was. It is Gondola on the air instead of the water. :)

Gado Gado - Jakarta

After the meeting with customer today, felt wanna to look around the city. Called a taxi and went to this Electronic City located at Sudiman Road that recommended by someone. Thought it really mean by its name of "Electronic City", when I was there, I wasn't able to blink and my eyes went still. It's just a big comparment that inside has lots of electronic shop, but it doesn't sound gigantic as the name call "electronic city". Went in and look around, suddenly I felt wanna to grab some quick bite. There is a food store in it.

What's that? Gado Gado? First question comes to my mind when i saw this "Gado Gado" in the food menu. If you don't feel too starving, it is a good choice for a quick bite.

It has the following contains:
- Egg, cracker, rice in cube, potato, long bean, cucumber, fried beancurd, beansprout, peanut sauce and etc
- Cost around Rp9,000(USD$1.05)

Similary to one of the quick bite in Malaysia called "Rojak" but in different version :)

p/s: suit for vegetarian too

Jakarta , INDONESIA

Airport Name
Soekarno Hatta Internation Airport

Taxi Fare
1) From Airport To Downtown Jakarta => Rp110,000(USD$13/MYR$44) to Rp 150,000(USD$18/MYR$60)
* At the airport, do not buy the taxi ticket from the taxi booth when you get out from the Arrival Hall. Please heading to the Taxi Station and look for the "Silver Bird" Taxi as its only cost you approximately Rp100k(USD$10) to the downtown city. Otherwise the booth taxi fare will cost around Rp200,000(USD$23.50/MYR$80) to Rp250,000(USD$29.40/MYR$100).
2) Downtown Taxi Fare:
* Only BlueBird & SilverBird Taxi are running meter
* SilverBird is slightly expensive than BlueBird Taxi
* General taxi fare in downtown cost around Rp15,000(USD$1.80/MYR$6) - Rp20,000(USD$2.30/MYR$8)
* BlueBird & SilverBird Taxi contact number 79171234

Currency Rate
USD$1 = MYR$3.7
USD$0.30 = Rp2,500
USD$1 = Rp8,500
MYR$1 = Rp 2,500
MYR$10 = Rp 25,000
MYR $100 = Rp 250,000

Hotel Rate
1) Most of the 4 stars Hotel cost about USD$85(MYR$314.50) - USD$110(MYR$407)
* Park Lane, Jakarta - Stay more than 3 nights, USD$85(MYR$314.40) per night
- Wireless access cost Rp75,000(USD$8.80/MYR$30) per day/24hrs in the Hotel.
2) Budget Hotels
* Ibis Hotel - USD$50(MYR$185), You've to book early in advance
* Aston Atrium Hotel - USD$50(MYR$185)

Prepaid Phone Card
- Indosat
* For any regular number it cost about Rp30,000(USD$3.50/MYR$12), chosen number will cost more than the regular number Rp70,000(USD$8.20/MYR$28) to Rp150,000(USD$17.60/MYR$60)
* Top Up Credit
+ Pay Rp25,000(USD$2.90/MYR$10) for Rp20,000(USD$2.40/MYR$8) calls usage
+ Pay Rp55,000(USD$6.40/MYR$22) for Rp50,000(USD$5.80/MYR$20) calls usage
+ Pay Rp100,000(USD$11.70/MYR$40) for Rp100,000(USD$11.70/MYR$40) calls usage
+ 1 minutes cost Rp1,000(USD$0.10/MYR$0.40) to Rp2,000(USD$0.20/MYR$0.80) approximately

Meals
- Regular standard 3 meals (breakfast + lunch + dinner) => Rp60,000(USD$7/MYR$24)
- A botle of Coke (200ml) cost about Rp4,000(USD$0.40/MYR$1.60)
Note, before the rised of fuel, regular taxi driver spent Rp30,000(USD$3.50/MYR$12) for daily meals.


Others
- Police officer salary = Rp700,000(USD$82.30/MYR$280) per month
- Taxi Drivers daily car rental expenses = Rp275,000(USD$32.35/MYR$110)
- Taxi Drivers daily petrol/Gas expenses = Rp200,000(USD$23.50/MYR$80)
- Average gross earning for Taxi driver per day = Rp500,000(USD$59.80/MYR$200) To Rp 700,000(USD$82.30/MYR$280)
- Average nett earning for Taxi driver per day = Rp25,000(USD$2.90/MYR$10) To Rp 225,000(USD$26.50/MYR$90)
- Van Bus (Sligthly smaller scale than regular Bus)
* Fare = Rp3,000(USD$0.35/MYR$1.20) one way
- Government school fee per month = Rp30,000(USD$3.50/MYR$12)
- Car summon/fine = Rp500,000(USD$58.80/MYR$200) To Rp700,000(USD$82.30/MYR$280)
- Regular low cost/Government own house = Rp500,000(USD$58.80/MYR$200) per month
- Police officer can be corrupted to avoid for paying car summons/fines = Rp200,000(USD$23.50/MYR$80)

Aware of the following when you are in Jakarta @ this moment (Due to the recent bombing incident)

- Sensible precaution is all that is required
- Do not wear unnecessary jewelry.
- Do not travel alone on "off-the-beaten-track" parts of the city after dark
- Do not carry large amount of cash
- Tipping: Service charge is included in your bill. There's no requirement to add to this, unless you feel particularly attentive service needs recognition. Taxi drivers tend to be expect you to leave the change;make sure ou carry small change, as taxi drivers to not(there's no requirement for this).
- Ppl are talking about the increase of fuel recently, life become taugher for most indonesian.
- In downtown, you'll see a lot of police officers checking car at Hotel Main Entrance, Shopping Mall and on the road sometime to avoid the bombing incident.

Getting Around
Jakarta is not a "Walking" city. Taxi are easy to find and inexpensive to hire. Generally, any taxi taken from one of the larger hotels can be relied upon honest service. Busses are hot, crowded and confusing, but not off limits to the hardy traveler.
Note, for urgent business meeting, user can opt for "Bike" taxi that the fare will cost around Rp3,000(USD$0.35/MYR$1.20) for one way. User can bargains for the "Bike" taxi fare (helmet provided). "Bike" taxi is quicker/faster than taxi/VanTaxi when the traffic is really congested.

Coke vs "TehBotol" in Jakarta

Noticed that most indonesian prefer to drink the fizzy drink in a bottle instead of in the can, and Coke has been replaced by "Tea in the bottle". Scratching your head huh. Indeed, they do like to drink in a bottle and it called "TehBotol" in the local language mean the tea drink in the bottle. Check out yourself at most of the food store in Jakarta.

Apparently, TehBotol cost cheaper than Coke of Rp3,000(USD$0.35) and Rp4,000(USD$0.47) respectively. Coke contains 200ml unlike TehBotol contains 220ml.

How does it taste like? You tell me how does the tea taste like....

Virgin Step Down In Jakarta

Arriving in Jakarta, Soekarno Hatta Internation Airport, local time @ 5:20pm, temperature was 28 degree celcius. This is my virgin visit to Jakarta for business trip.

It is true that the image of the airport can identify the wealthy and the development of the country. The Soekarno Hatta International Airport is too far beyond my expectation. It doesn't give you the feel of the Internation Airport.

More about jakarta for the 1st time can be found on the following link Virgin Visit I created.

Beldevere

Finally found this vodka of "Beldevere" in the airport duty shop. It is a new vodka and have been hunting for this drink in the pub. Unfortunately, not all the pub that I been to have this drink.

Once I complete my project in Jakarta, will definately grab a bottle in the airport later :)

Check this out Beldevere Vodka

Rainy Night

Woke up middle in the night due to received phone call from my colleague for some emergency company call. Eventually, they found out the caused of the problem and apologized for waken me up.

I couldn't fall sleep then after. It was raining outside. I couldn't fall sleep neither but raining made me felt good afterall.

It is nice to call someone at this moment especially for a chat.

In between Love & Like is "Knowing"

Went out for a flim yesterday with my mate. The film was "Flight Plan" by Joody Foster. Before the movie started, we were in the Hard Rock Cafe having light dinner and small talk.

There was one of this doubt and question from her about "If I lost my phone, lost my email contacts, where or how should i manage or able to find my boyfriend?" . Guessed, she must already have the answer of it. Sometime, loving & like someone is distinguish by a common feeling of "knowing". Take a simple example, if you love someone, you want to know more about the person you love. If you like someone, you might or might not want to know more about the person you like.

Isn't it the "knowing" can drive you crazy of whether you love or like someone? The answer is in you.

Thats about a friday night sometime !

Your's Desire

Recently, have this strong thought in mind. What is my desire? Weird isn't it, every human must has desire, what are their desire? and what is mine then?

Is money, car, accommodation, other expenses my desire? None of us will say no. At this time in point, which is my top priority of desire? Will you say money? Once you find your definate desire, you will know yourself better at this point in time.

Of course, your desire is dynamic and volatile, you might have different desire upon you have achieved your previous desire. But, can happiness become part of the desire too? Yes, indeed, desire for happiness can be as "Desire on feeling".

The key point here is that desire helps a person to identify the needs in life at the particular moment. As layman said, human major annoy in life is "money & partner". Thus, the temp solution for desire can improve your living lifestyle.

Apprently, there is some scientific research been carried out to investigate the human desire. One of the book i have read was "Who Am I?" by Steven Reiss. His finding on the 16 basic desires drive much of human behavior was so popular in 1998. His finding attracted reporter from BBC, national radio and press release in many of the major U.K papers and spread to magazines throughout the world, including India, Italy, Australia and Canada.

What is French for Va Va Voom?

I remembered there was a time when I was in UK and seen one of this Renault car ad on Tele about the Thierry Henry asking "What is French for Va Va Voom?" . It really attracted my attention and curiosity of what does the french mean for Va Va Voom?

I have a french mate and I asked him about it, he didn't tell me the precise meaning of it and most probably I pronounced it wrongly. He said, he didn't see that ad on Tele and he guessed the Va Va Voom is pointed to Surprise, Good kind of words. Supposingly, Va Va Voom mean to be the sound of the engine :), isn't it cool huh ? :) [VaVaVoom]

Another Tele ad for Renault car was the indian chap crazy to have his own car of the latest new Renault model he seen it on the press. He knew that he is not afford to buy but he has this idea to transform his indian old car to look like the new Renault model. Thus, he went to bang his car front and rear and get the assistant from elephant to scrap his car that eventually he managed to transform his existing car to the new model of Renault that he seen it on the press release.

Apprently, I saw this car when I was in French on November 2003 with my parent at Paris. I walked in to one of this Renault show room and was really impressed and surprised when I saw this car in front of my eyes.

Life of Autobarn

Had a chat on Yahoo IM with my mate. Suddenly, she asked me, "Do you know yourself better, are you sure?"

There was a delay and the question has triggered my mind, i couldn't answered her immeidately. She made me think !! I used to know myself better and I alway has that in mind too. It is very simple, if i really know myself better, i should already answered her question immediately without pause for the uncertain answer that i myself was confuse @ the time.

I was wondering people like Steve JOB, Bill GATE, and etc, do they know themselve better all the time? They made lots hell of monies, do you think they know themselve better? Isn't it a myth? Human tends not to know themselve more but eventually, think about it, do you really care? There are billions of ppl live in the earth. If you can understand everyone better, you are David BRAINE. Do the best is the best way for living sometime.

The Life on "Autobarn"

Everyone used to drive themselve steadily on the Autobarn. Autobarn made the driver drives comfortably without speed limit. If you want a challenging & exciting drive then put yourself on the motorway that crowded with other drivers. Think, Autobarn and motorway is like the journey of our life.


LIVE HAPPILY, ULTIMATE LIFE

Speaker Corner

What a surprise when i noted this signboard of "Speaker Corner" reside @ the park in the central of the down town city of Singapore.

Speaker corner? Does it mean that people can freely speak @ this corner or a place for "speaker" enthusiastic crowds to hang out?

Saturday @ Work

Thinking, if i do not work today, what should i do on saturday?
Thinking, if i do something on saturday, what shouldn't i work today?

What's a life without thinking?

Whatever thinking you have in mind, think it as an object.

If you have a girlfriend/boyfriend, you enjoying your's saturday.
If you have no girlfriend/boyfriend, you enjoying only the "Saturday".

You have two (2) options, do or not to do.
You choose to do it.
Once you chose to do it, do it till you see your's "DO IT" outcome accomplished.

Love & Miss,
I love someone when i miss someone,
I miss someone when i love someone,
I love and miss someone when i miss to love her.

Afterall, a saturday is a good day. :)

@ the New Office - Malaysia

Amazing huh, the CEO of the company stay late to help to fix some bugs with his colleagues. He called himself a Chief Night Programmer than CEO these days.

@ this hour, the Chief has left, only remain three (3) of us in the company. It's fun to work with this company. I see the company growth and its working culture is splendid.

My baby start talking

Ultimately, my 2nd Baby ["BubbleTALK"] is delivered safely on the 10th August 2005 at Singapore. That's my youngest son.

Date:10th August 2005
Time: 06:00am
Venue: Singapore
Place of birth: M1 (Mobile Network Operator)
Amount of food consume: 1 million subscribers (approximately - up to date)

https://svclink.miworld.com.sg/xtras/msg_bubbletalk.jsp



The eldest was born in Malaysia 6 months earlier than the youngest.
Date: 31st Jan 2005
Time: 12:00am
Venue: Malaysia
Place of birth: DiGi (Mobile Network Operator)
Amount of food consume: 3 million subscribers (approximately - up to date)



http://www.digi.com.my/enhanced/community/bubbletalk/

Grappa

There is this drink call "Grappa" at Italy. It is a wine liquer. One day, I watched it in the Disconvery Travel Channel and it catched my eye and blink my thought. Although I have been to ITALY (ROME, FLORENCE, VENICE, MILAN) but I haven't heard about "GRAPPA".

This drink is mainly for BREAKFAST, can i say it? A "Grappa" with a bread will be nice. Wow, "Early Drink" can i call it? One of my mate went to ITALY and I asked her to try. She did it and according to her, it is something different that she likes it. She told me that they have it almost everywhere in ITALY as long as you mentioned 'Grappa' to them.

The good place to grab this drink is at some of these small restaurant at the small alley in downtown ITALY.

Will snapshoot some pictures if I have another chance to go. :)

THE GRAPPA

F1 Formula 2005 @ Malaysia

It was a sunny day. Picked up my mate @ 8am++ and we went to Sepang Circuit. She had just woke up when i was there in front her house. :)

We had ice coffee drink (take away) on the way driving to the Sepang Circuit (took 30 to 45 minutes). When we arrived @ Sepang, crowds traffic werent that congested yet :).. Had my car parked and walked for about 20 minutes to the MAIN HALL entrance.

Formula ONE race started @ 2pm. It was the first time I experienced the sound of speed of an airflight engine. You can hear the engine and it was so nice when it close to your sight. The sound was fantastic (depend on how you feel it, it will be very annoying for some people that do no enjoy it :) ).

The ticket seating has a most fantastic view of the only circuit corner to see all F1 cars trying to take over one after another and thats the only chance for F1 driver to beat his opponents. I can even clearly see the tyres, car body and the F1 driver turning his wheel handler (Imagine it).

Weather was so hot and burning our skins. It wasn't a good preparation that we did not bring umbrella or any sun lotion protection @ that time. Afterall, it was a good day and good experience for me.

Final Result: ALONSO (spanish) represent Renault team has won the F1 race @ Malaysia

Sitting down @ StarBuck (KL)

Sitting at the Star Buck café at Time Square Down Town (Kuala Lumpur). Enjoying my first drink early in the morning – Hot Capuccinno. Meanwhile waiting for the travel agent shop open at 9am. I have decided to go to HONG KONG on this coming Friday 31st December for celebrating 2005 New Year Countdown.

Looking around at the café, it’s lovely, contemporary, cosy and relaxing. Looking out the window, there is this girl sitting there alone.

Just want to make my countdown memorable and different this year. Isn’t it cool! When you recall back, you had celebrated your countdown at HONG KONG on 2005. Going to HONG KONG with my mate “Winnie”. [Unfortunately, I didn't manage to catch up with my mate winnie and she gone alone. I miss that opportunity]

The girl sitting outside stand up and walk away, she is lovely though. A smooth and fine long hair, good dress up of short light brown top matching with a knee length dark brown skirt.

While me taking a picture above, an old happy lady walk in to Star Buck. She is lovely, pop in alone and ordered for some bread and a shot of expresso. I would say, “Huh …”

The beauty of the OPERA

"The Phantom of the OPERA".

Should watch this film if you haven't yet. Unlike "Evita", at least i din fall asleep :)

Should listen to its sound track -> Music of the night & Think of me

Local Dance @ St Alban - England

It was a lovely day (Weather was sunny - Spring). Took a bus and went to the nearest downtown call "St Alban" to have a walk with my girlfriend. When i stepped down from the bus, i heard of a weird music come from my right direction.

I dragged my girlfriend and we stopped by this area where there were a group of local ppl performing. Many of the dancers are elderly, it is lovely to see them dance with their heart. That's life afterall.

Simple Home Cook Food @ my house - Portsmouth

During the 3 years stayed @ Portsmouth, i like to enjoy cooking. Occasionaly will invited friends come over to gather @ my house. I rented it for 500 pounds @ that time. It was the only accommodation that i have my own space since the 3 years lived @ portsmouth.

Have been moving around 5 different places during my stayed @ Portsmouth. The following is the list of the street name that i used to stayed at:

1) The Queens Mall Hall, City Centre (for nearly 1 year)
2) Granada Road, Southsea (for a short period of 3/4 months)
3) Lawson Road, Southsea (during summer)
4) Somers Road, Southsea (for nearly 1 year)
5) Talbot Road, Southsea (during summer)

One of my favorite foods back in UK was "Crispy Duck" & "DUCK with noodle soup". Normally, we do ourself ShuShi. If we can't finished it we leave it in the fridge for next day consumption. :)

You can do the roast duck by yourself given that you have the decent owen with the decent temperature. You got to marinate the duck with special ingrediant (own recipe, learnt it when i was working with one of the local chinese take away shop, the boss has taught me some of the chinese dishes and skills to cook).

Mostly, on special occasion such as invited friend to house, i will buy the roast chinese duck from the restaurant. It cost about 15 pounds for the whole duck.

The most lovely & memorable place to me - Old Portsmouth

This place is the most memorable moment i would never forgotten. The "Moment" started on 2001 March but this picture was re-taken again later on 2002. :) There wasn't a car during the "Moment".

I would never forget that "Moment" i have found myself and my happiness. The 'Moment' with ICE-CREAM, bit chilled, bright day & ....

The first "Moment" only happens once in your life. It will never repeated again. The next "Moment" will be differ from the frist "Moment" you had.

OLD PORTSMOUTH is where the "Moment" happened in my life.

Horse SHOE PUB @ Portmouth

This pub is one of its kind in Portsmouth. Inside the pub, you see all flag across all european countries hanging on top of your head on the ceiling. People there are mostly PUNK teenagers, tattoo fans, and all kinds of people wearing outstanding clothes and unique.

Atmosphere inside the pub was cosy and warmth. People standing, sitting on the couch and music played was ?? (din notice and couldn't recall really what were the music played at that time). You checked it out and let me know :)

My french mate found this place @ first and dragged me then after. This pub become our regular place to hang out after dinner. A beer to chill out :) that was lovely.

GOSPORT - SUMMER

Gosport is a small town not far from Portsmouth. A bright and sunny day. There was a FRENCH market held on every weekend during the August summer period. If you feel lazy to go France then visiting Gosport FRENCH market during this day will give you a same feeling that you are in France. A traditional "FRENCH" market as the local people claimed.

Also, you will see lots of yards and boats sailing across the english channel. Fantastic and superb view that what i can tell you. If i got chance, i will buy a yard and enjoying what you so call "life on the weekend on the english CHANNEL"

Had a nice day out afterall with my coursemates. :)

Sunset @ Portsmouth - England

I have been staying @ Portsmouth for nearly 3 years. Really like this place, it was the 1st place that i stepped down in England. I call it as my HOME TOWN. Each time after I came back from my vacation trip or outstation, i felt good when i step my foot inside my home - Portsmouth.

My brain keeps trigger me to think of local "Fish & Chip", "Tesco", "Sea Front", "Albert Road", "Old Portsmouth", "Kebab Take Away", "Chinese Take Away" , "GunWharft Quey" and etc.

I like to visit sea front. Its stone beach along the south coast is pretty unique. Sunset @ Portsmouth is the most beauty scenary i ever saw for my past 20++ years. This picture was taken on summer time @ 11++pm :) cool huh..

Swimming @ Seafront - Portsmouth (Summer)

Who the heck was there swimming?

It was me that swimming @ the seafront. It was a very hot day, I couldn't stand and took off my clothes and dived myself into the water. You wouldn't imagined that how cold the water temperature inside was althought it was a hot day outside the water (temperature @ 30 degree celcius).

That was the first time i swam @ Portsmouth Seafront ever.