choratchoret

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

2012-02-14T21:21:00.000+08:00

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Projections from Obscura Digital on Vimeo.

During my trip to the Emirates recently, we were given a VIP tour of the mosque.

I have to say this is one of the most beautiful mosques I have been to.

Among the record breaking facts such as the biggest single piece of carpet and the biggest Swarovski chandelier, some of the craftsmen who built this mosques were the decedents of the craftsmen who built the Taj Mahal. And, super amazingly, the gold ornaments that top the minarets and domes were commissioned by Malaysian craftsmen.

One of the rare occasions I feel proud to be a Malaysian since Dr. M retired.

EBC - Everest Base Camp - NEXT

2012-02-02T07:38:00.002+08:00

This is planned for the end of this year, insyaAllah.

The Trail Conditions:

Straight, Uphill, Downhill, Jig Jag with small rocky, pebbles, muddy, somewhere dusty, manmade stone steps, through the moss covered forests, Rocky glacier or snowy path crossing suspensions metal bridges and wooden bridges over the rivers and streams are the main features of Trekking trials of Everest Base Camp trek.

Fitness:

This is fairly demanding trek. It isn't possible nor necessary to get truly trekking fit before the trek. I trek a daily itinerary that suits loaded porter, who carrying 25 kg loads cover more distance that you might think, but not so much so as to finish you. Over the course of the first or Second Day you'll be amazed at how your fitness improves. You can even get exercise in your city before you come, swimming, small day hiking and physical fitness may help you to hike and climb in Nepal Himalaya. Running a few miles most days is probably the best single physical activity, which will hand. It doesn’t have to be too complicated. While you are training you can also be breaking in those new trekking boats that may otherwise give you blisters on the first day out on the trail.

High Altitude Sickness:

Often times treks that ascends beyond 3500 m would require more days for acclimatization to ensure that trekkers do not suffer from high altitude sickness. The thinner air affects you in many ways and if you go high too fast there is a high chance to get effect.

AMS - Acute Mountain Sickness Commonly called altitude sickness, this has the potential to affect all trekkers from 2500m and higher. Your body needs time to adjust to smaller quantities of oxygen in the air - at 5500m/18,044ft the air pressure is approximately half that of sea level, ie there is half the amount of oxygen (and nitrogen). This is approximately equivalent to the top of Kala Pattar near Everest BC. AMS is caused by going up high too fast and can be fatal if all the warning signals are ignored. In all my treks I would like to ensure that there are adequate days for acclimatization so that my guests do not suffer unnecessary high altitude sickness.

Weather and Temperature in October

The weather in October is very much predictable. Neither too cold nor too hot, just perfect with clear visibility. The temperature during October will be quite moderate. Our trek will be starting from Lukla which is 2800 meters while Kathmandu is only 1365 m. So as soon as we land in Lukla the temperature will be cooler about 18 degrees (Celsius) on our first day of the trek Under 3000 meters the temperature will be warm so you only need light clothes. Over 3000 meters the temperature will be about 15 degrees Celsius during the trek and can drop to 10 degrees Celsius at night. You can expect the temperature about 5 DC in Base Camp at mid day and drops to -5 degrees Celsius at night and in the morning. Late afternoon when the sun disappears behind a mountain peak the temperature drops suddenly.

Electricity:

Just in Lukla, Phakding, Namche Bazar,Thame, Khumjung , Tengboche and Pangboche does have hydro -electricity, You can recharge your camera batteries just in those places. After that level you will need to sleep with candles and Solar battery lights just in the Dining Room during the dinnertime.

Telephone and E-mail facilities during our trek to Everest BC:

You can send email or call at your home or friends from Just in Lukla, Namche Bazar, Tengboche, Pheriche, Dingboche and even in Gorekchep by now. Those destinations have telephone and internet facilities via satellite and quite fast by now. So you do not need to worry about communication gap with your family or friends during your trek.

Insurances of Guide and Porters

We do our life insurance and Trekking insurance for the duration of 10 or 15 years from reputed insurance company in Kathmandu, Nepal which covers our insurance for the duration of our trek as well.

Water and Chances of getting sick:

However Nepal is second richest in the world for water after Brazil, The water here is just 0.3% of total water is pure. Because most of the rivers flows from the glacier and from top to bottom and hilly mountains. As you know people live in the mountain and the animals graze in the pastures and most of the manual flows together. On the other hand you can buy the mineral water bottle but we feel very sorry to discourage you for not to buy, considering our Environment. But there is an idea, We can purify the water using some Iodine Pills or Purifying drops which can be available in drug stores in Kathmandu. We can use the water after nearly boiled which is safe.

Meals during the trek

All our meals will be at teahouses and, although the food is usually plentiful and delicious, you should be aware that the menu is not normally extensive. However, the menus in all lodges offer a surprising variety of foods. The Kitchens staffs you will find are trained for cooking, and guest relation and have learned about western food preferences. The foods will be served with according to the Lodge Management Committee approved Menu system providing Nepalese, Indian, Chinese and Continental western foods and offers items such as pizza, lasagna, muesli, sandwiches and ever burgers as well as seasonal vegetables. Beers, Whisky western and Nepalese, Snickers, Mar Bars, Coca Cola, Mineral water, Cerials and many others essentials foods will be available in every lodges. For a quick fix: Tea is available everywhere and Nepali biscuits are cheap, delicious and provide a great energy boost for long uphill climbs.

Rescue? If incase?

Sudden rescue Charge, If incase (Maximum 5000 U.S Dollar Travel Insurance will be enough.

I trek with limited distance everyday so that my every clients can take advantage of being in the Himalaya, However, Some time suddenly or Just incase of your usual disease or other accidental causes may need you to get rescued from Himalaya. So at that duration you will be fully responsible to pay the Helicopter charges as soon as you arrive in Kathmandu by yourself or asking amount from your home country or with the responsible from related Embassy in Kathmandu, which will be paid back by your Insurance company in your country after claiming your paid in Nepal amount with the help of Doctors certificates, Airlines Certificates and other documents given from authorized Person like Guide, Local Govt. Member or People of related fields where you get sick.

If someone gets sick because of any reason such as AMS or bad physical condition… in this case we will have to take a right action on the spot according with the person’s condition and the place we will be. If the case is serious and the person find hard even to walk he or she will have to be accompanied by one of our friend or we arrange a horse or helicopter in rescue propose depending on the person’s physical condition. If rescue evacuation is required I provide every assistance to my clients. I coordinate our service with a recognized private helicopter company in the case of emergency rescue. If the case is not that serious he or she might want to stroll around the place and wait for others or return back to Lukla or Kathmandu in this situation of course one of our porter still will be with the person to carry his/ her luggage.

Medication:

Medication which is a very important issue to be considered during the trek. I have a lot of different experience that people get diarrhea, vomiting during the trek because of water and food, so it is advisable to bring these medications that should match with Himalayan Bacteria and Germs. It would be essential to see your doctor for immunization shorts just a few days ago before you departure. Typhoid, tetanus, meningitis, and Hepatitis A are the norm. Malaria Pills are not needed during our proposed trek to Everest trek. Your own personal medicine is essential. Cold and cough medicine is recommended, as well as bandages and aspirin. Basically, you want to bring your own personal medical kit if you were to get sick. Your doctor can recommend diarrhea medicine or medicine for giardia/amoebas since this is the most common reason for upset stomachs while trekking.

You are kindly suggested to check and bring the following list of medication for our trek to Everest BC.

· Bandage for sprains

· Plasters/Band-aids

· Iodine or water filter (optional)

· Moleskin/Second skin - for blisters

· Antiseptic ointment for cuts

· Anti-bacterial throat lozenges (with antiseptic)

· Aspirin/paracetamol - general painkiller

· Oral dehydration salts

· Broad-spectrum antibiotic (norfloxacin or ciprofloxin)

· Anti-diarrhea medication (antibiotic)

· Diarrhea stopper (Imodium - optional)

· Antibiotic for Giardia or similar microbe or bacteria

· Diamox (altitude sickness - can be bought in Kathmandu)

· Sterile Syringe set (anti-AIDS precaution)

Clothing / Equipment List

Kindly bring the following list of clothing / equipments for our trek to Everest Base Camp Trek

-Pair trekking boots and waterproofing agent

-Pair lightweight trekking sandals

-Pairs thin walking socks

-Pairs lightweight wind – water proof pants

-T-shirts

-Fleece Jacket

-Set lightweight thermals

-North Face down Jacket (Preferably)

-Small thin towel (sports towel best)
-Soap
-Shampoo
-Sunscreen
-Extra lightweight shirt for daypacks - for stops along the way
-Hat
-Cotton or silk bag liner - optional
-Neck warmer

-Pairs 'thinners' gloves

-Rucksack

-Pack tissues

-Pair sunglasses

-Water filter / Iodine (you could buy boiled water in hotels/ lodges which is safe to drink.

-Camera and films

-Head torch and spare batteries

-Sleeping bag (rated -15(above) deg C during our trek )

Above things are required for Everest Base Camp Trek. However if you do not have clothing you can either buy or rent in Nepal. In this case we have equipment cheaper than Malaysia.

Suggested Itinerary

Day 01, - Arrival day,

Day - 02: Kathmandu - Lukla (2860m trek to Phakding) - fly in the morning for 45 minutes then Commence trek to Phakding (2600m) - 3 hours.

Day - 03: Phakding - Namche Bazar (3446m) - 5 hours.

Day - 04: Namche Bazar, one-day rest for acclimatization.

Day - 05: Namche Bazar - Tengboche (3867m) - 5 hours.

Day -06 -: Tengboche- Pheriche (4200m) – 6 hours.

Day 07 –: Pheriche – Lobuche (4930m) – 5 hours.

Day -08: Lobuche - Gorakchhep – EBC – Overnight at Gorakchhep (5200m):

Day -09: Gorakchhep – Kalapattar (5545 m) - Pheriche (4200 m):

Day -10: Pheriche - either Namchee or Sanasa - 8 hours.

We try to reach Namche, it is too long journey, if you feel tired we can stop Sanasa between Tenboche and Namche.

Day -11: Phakding (6 – 6.30 hours):

Day -12: Phakding – Lukla:

Day -13: After breakfast we will be flying to Katmandu in the morning and transfer to Hotel.

Day -14: Departure

The Cost

The total cost as per above program – 1235 $ per person based on 7 persons

If you want to upgrade more comfort hotels such as – Himalaya Hotel in Lukla - 1 night, Sunrise Hotel in Phakding – 2 nights, Khumbu Lodge in Namche – 3 nights, Eco Mountain Resort in Lobuche – 1 night, Himalayan Hotel in Pheriche – 2 nights the total additional cost will be 65 US$ per person.

The cost includes

1, Service in Kathmandu

Kathmandu Airport pick up and drop.
Sightseeing in Different ancient cities of Kathmandu Valley with a professional tour guide, entrance fee of each sight places.
Two Nights deluxe accommodation at 3 star category Hotel at Samsara Resort (www.samsararesort.com ) in Kathmandu.

2, During the Trip

All Surface Transportation.
3 times, delicious/standard foods except Alcoholic beverages, bottled, can soft drinks during the treks.
Clean accommodation will be provided except luxury categories hotels

(I can provide luxury hotels that includes at least 3 star hotel according to location within the price ranges you have selected such as Hotel Everest View in Syangboche charges 285 US $ for one double room per night, Syangboche Panorama, may charges 175 US, Yeti Mountain Home in Lukla charges 210 US per night for one double, Everest Summit Lodges in Monjo and Pangboche charges US $ 205 P/N for one double. )

Permit and conservation Fees NRS 1000 per head.
TIMS: 10 US$ per person
Round trip flight fare to and from Lukla for all of us including domestic airport taxes in Kathmandu and Lukla.
First aid medical kit
All Local Taxes.
Our Sincere Guide service (I will personally be your guide) and honest porter (one porter for two people.)
All expenses of guide and porter - Salary, food, accommodation, insurance, transportation…

The cost does not include:

Foods in Kathmandu except breakfast at Samsara Resort
Alcoholic beverages and Bottled, canned, soft drinks, during the trek.
Needful clothes.
Expenses of personal nature (Laundry, tell call etc) and may be donation on the trek.
Any medical treatment
Any necessary rescue charge

(Maximum 5000 U.S Dollar Travel Insurance will be enough)

Buying personal wanted materials, souvenir, gift etc.

Big Mama

2012-02-02T00:15:00.001+08:00

The ride was almost the same as the B747. Okay, I did feel like I was in a bigger aircraft when it took off.

Or like a comparison between the ride in a BMW 5 and 7 Series.

I have to say though that was the most comfortable and spacious economy class I have been into. The worst economy class was the Philippines Cebu Pacific.

I was up graded to the business class before landing. The business class is good with horizontal bed and big ass entertainment screen.

I took a peek at the 1st class cabin. The cubicles, to me, was not that impressive.

Still, Emirates is better than Malaysia Airlines - the aircraft, the crew and the service.

COKE

2012-02-01T23:55:00.002+08:00

2012-02-01T23:51:00.001+08:00

My recent trip to Dubai really opened my eyes to that part of the world.

I have been to Mecca in Saudi and Amman in Jordan. Dubai is completely different.

It’s not typical Arab-land. Good or bad? I am not in the position to judge.

The city skyline is heaven for architects and fan of architecture.

Dubai is like a desert is like a piece of canvas for architects to express themselves. Very impressive but I fail to feel the Arab spirit when I was there.

For 5 days, I only interacted with ONE person from Emirates. The rest were either Filipino, Indian, Saudi Arabian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi or Chinese.

Dr G

2012-02-01T00:09:00.003+08:00

Don't know why I just remember a very good friend of mine. We seldom each other but I think we cherish our friendship dearly.

A medical professional use to serve in Singapore.

I used to visit him a lot, in Singapore.

I remember one of his emails telling me - he was cycling to the gym on Orchard Road with yellow flip-flops. And then somehow or rather he accidentally drop is bright yellow flip-flops in the busy Orchard Road and having to pick it up while the whole world watching.

Kesian, but kinda funny.

Friendship?

2012-01-23T09:55:00.002+08:00

May be not.

There is no loyalty.

In fact in some cases, friendship can be traded with posh dinners and sponsored holidays.

It's just CHEAP.

CHEAP.

CHEAP.

CHEAP.

901

2012-01-11T09:08:00.005+08:00

PKR strategist never planned for Anwar acquittal.

From a political angle, they had wished that the court would find him guilty.

They wanted to bring 100K people but only 5K turn up.

They wanted to show their protest and had hoped that the police would act aggressively so that they can capitalize on the issue.

The police shocked them by granting them the approval.

Despite signing a conditional approval, they twisted the police approval with several series of press release and attacked the KL police.

Between a twisted tongue of a politician and the police, I would believe the police.

extracted from Malaysia Today

Ubud Revisited

2012-01-10T21:58:00.001+08:00

Visited Ubud again.

Not much changes from the last time I came here.

I made a point to have lunch at Bebek Bengil - super delicious crispy duck with beautiful surrounding.

I ate like a pig.

Green

2012-01-10T09:56:00.004+08:00

Gili Trawangan, Lombok. The main form of transportation besides horse carts.

No mopeds, no cars

Heaven!

Cahaya Gili Trawangan 1

2012-01-10T08:37:00.003+08:00

Between sunset cocktails and dinner, it was quite pleasant to walk along the beach of Gili. Everybody was just relaxed and laid back. Some enjoying their Bintang beer. I had a scoop of gelato.

A couple of local juggler boys performed on the beach. Very friendly and quite talented.

Bali 2011 - 2012

2012-01-10T00:01:00.000+08:00

This what I think about BALI as I was there last week. Yup, my 4th I think.

There is a new place call POTATO HEAD which is really nice to have your brunch, lunch or cocktail watching the sun set with some music in the air.

If you don't like such a posh setting for sunset, Karma on Batu Belig (which is just minutes from Seminyak.

One of my favorite restaurants for lunch is Warung Italia on Jalan Kunti No 2 is really nice casual place for Italian lunch. Food delicious and authentic and very reasonably priced. The setting is vary casual. I especially like it.

If you ever reach Ubud (which I think you should even if you have been there). Stay until dinner time and have crispy duck at Bebek Bengil. At night the ambience of the place is simply amazing. Much better than during the day.

And..... if u want to have a intimate dinner, I would like to recommend La Luciolas on Oberoi Rd., Kayu Aya Beach, Legian, Seminyak.

Do make a point to wear something nice and you can just enjoy the dinner and absorb the ambience. It's actually by the beach with spectacular landscape and lightings.

Yes, I do know a driver with a good car. The name is Nyioman. The rate is IDR350 per day for 10 hours. Minyak included. I think thats very competitive. Do tell if you are keen.

Enjoy.

The Sterling, Melaka

2012-01-09T00:21:00.000+08:00

I was recently requested by a good friend to photograph a new hotel in Melaka her company is managing. It's a very nice little hotel with colonial concept. Even the staff dressed in khaki pants and socks pulled up to knee height.

This photo was an accident. The same issue, sunrise shot. The hotel room is too cold, the lens fogged up.

I kind of like this mistake.

Very foggy.

Behind the Scenes

2012-01-08T23:56:00.003+08:00

Dentist Appointment

2012-01-08T22:57:00.002+08:00

While waiting for my turn to see the dentist in Kuantan. Very good service - not that cheaper though...

2012-01-08T22:49:00.001+08:00

Even though I go to Kuantan almost every week for the past 3 to 4 years, the view of the sun rise from my balcony is my favorite moments.

I can never get tired of it.

To me, everyday is different.

Impromptu Dinner

2012-01-08T22:42:00.001+08:00

2 of my best mates decided last minute to have dinner and we didn't wanna go out. I whipped this - nothing much in the fridge - almost vegetarian.

The Journey to the Himalayas

2012-01-08T20:13:00.000+08:00

The recent trip to the Himalayas was one of the best trips I have ever had. Not only because I get to witness before my very eyes the beauty of God’s creations, but also the company of great friends which nurtured wonderful friendship.

The SEVEN of us became like brothers and sisters. It was a wonderful experience spending time together with the same bunch for 12 days. That to me was an ultimate bonding any form of friendship can ever have.

The best part was, everybody was responsible and highly cooperative. I think our Nepalese guides were very impressed with our attitude.

And most of all, besides at least 6 hours (every day) of daily trekking up and down the Himalayas for almost a week - we had so much fun and we took great photos of the beautiful surroundings, and us.

Being up in the Himalayas is totally a new experience to me. Its like 2 different extremes. Kathmandu was dense, highly populated and extemely busy with mopeds, taxis (like Kancil), and rickshaws - owh, and the annoying balm and craft sellers.

Up in the mountains on the other hands are just you and the beautiful landscape, farms, rivers, beautiful waterfalls and forest - and of course the view of a series of snow capped mountains.

I still remember at one point I could se a series of snow capped mountain for the first time in this trip. It was so surreal, I actually cried. It was s o beautiful and I kept on thinking how great God is for such majestic creations.

Nepal is one of those places when you see it for the first time, you straight away think - I wanna come back again, soon. Its like when I went diving to Sipadan.

I keep on reminding our guides, who are locals - “You have a beautiful country”

They do!

Beautiful Indonesia, Gili Trawangan

2012-01-08T12:04:00.002+08:00

Typically most of us only know places like Jakarta the capital, Bandung for shopping, Bali for beach holidays.

The divers normally know more off the beaten track kind of places such as Raja Ampat, Komodo, Menado etc.

I recently explored Gili Trawangan. It’s like one of Indonesia best kept secrets. I got to know about it from an Indonesian friend. The first Google image convinced me the trip is worth it. A little island near Lombok where there is no motor vehicles - just horse carts and bicycle as means of transportation. Besides I planned to celebrate the the arrival of 2012 in Bali anyways.

I had a fantastic time enjoying he island life, mingling with the locals, watching sun sets, eating fresh seafood lunch and dinners on the cabana overlooking the sea, the other 2 Gili Islands, Lombok and Bali islands with the majestic view of Mount Agung and Rinjani.

Politics and ignorance of some parties aside, I think Indonesia has a lot to offer. I have been told about Karimun Jawa and Jazz Gunung festival up Mont Bromo.

Since I am not the Jakarta and Bandung type of guy, perhaps these 2 destinations are already on my list.

Happy Feet Kathmandu

2011-12-23T09:25:00.002+08:00

Durbar Squares of Hanuman Dhoka

Eeeeeeeewwwwwwww

2011-12-23T01:43:00.001+08:00

How could someone do this to a HUMMER?

Crazy

Ruth Sahanaya Concerto

2011-12-23T01:39:00.004+08:00

T.A bought us tickets for teh concert. I only know 1 or 2 of her songs. Kau Lah Segalanya is an ALL time favorite.

Since we don't really know other songs and I got quite turned off when she invited daughter to perform. We left the concert hall before even half way through.

Christ Botti was a lot better. Plenary Hall in KL Convention Centre should be managed properly. Acoustic was not fantastic and the event was not (for musical show as such) properly managed.

How could you not switch off your walkie talkie during the show.

Crap.

Supper at MO was great!

Anwar oh Anwar

2011-12-23T01:22:00.002+08:00

Trust the politicians.

They say do not use the mosques for political purposes.

So why do they use Quran?

I think it's an insult to the holly book being used just to win a political agenda.

Looks desperate to me.

Sheer Driving Pleasure

2011-12-23T01:17:00.004+08:00

Trust the German.

It was a pleasure driving this baby from KL to Kuantan and back to KL.

What a babe.

2012 Baby

2011-12-23T01:05:00.001+08:00

Hopefully 2012 will be a busy year for me. Some work on the new area has started. We hope to get some production before Chinese New Year - InsyaAllah.

Bugger

2011-12-23T00:59:00.003+08:00

Found this park just outside The Regency Club at Kuantan Hyatt recently. The sticker in the car says "STOP LYNAS"

I personally think LYNAS project is pretty safe. Too bad, too many politicians tried make it such a big issue.

Most of the people who talk about it didn't even do a proper researhc. They just wanna have a nice propaganda.

Oh well, thats politics.

I am a MILLIONAIRE! NOT!

2011-12-23T00:49:00.001+08:00

I change some Ringgit Malaysia into Indonesia Rupiah today. Bali, here I come. Before that I will be exploring the dream island called Gili Terawangan.

Can't wait.

Merry Xmas Gifts

2011-12-23T00:44:00.000+08:00

Of course I don't celebrate Christmas but commercially, almost everybody does.

Jesus was not born on 25th December to begin with and no Christmas tree is mentioned in the Bible anyway. And Santa Clause - if you are still oblivious - HE DOESN'T EXIST

Sorry to disappoint you.

However, I love my Christmas gifts. Thanks you friends. I love them all

Caught Red Handed

2011-12-23T00:17:00.006+08:00

I had this while driving on the way back form running some errands. Lots of things need to be done before my Xmas - New Year holidays.

Eating doughnut with molten chocolate while driving should be banned - like you cant use handphone etc. I could wait, I gobbled everything in my car.

Suddenly I got and sms on my phone:

"U enjoying your chocs fatty hehe"

Ooops

The UGLY Malaysians

2011-10-31T00:59:00.001+08:00

Captured along our favorite cycling route the climb up to Genting Peres.

Duhh....

2011-10-31T00:53:00.002+08:00

Classic JD

We ha d a four-way conference call this morning, initiated by JD.

It was totally hilarious as JD can sometimes be such an airhead – even though he is a brilliant kinda guy.

A snippet:

JD: B, did you drop me as Facebook friend.

B: How can I drop some thing I haven’t added.

I guess the adding and dropping as friends in Facebook is quite a drama, to some people a trauma.

I have my own share of this.

I am glad it happened though.

One thing for sure, I need to eliminate some names who have been spamming me with promotions of a club. I get 3 of the same messages for the same event, of which I have no intention to go.

Like I said - spamming should be illegal.

Spiritual Journey - Makkah and Madinah

2011-10-31T00:44:00.002+08:00

This series of photos were shot (secretly) during my Umrah, a couple of years ago. All photos were capture by using my Nokia Communicator E90.

Masji AL Nabawi, also known as Masjid Nabi

Buka puasa was such a simple yet a fulfilling spiritual experience. Its amazing how more tahn 1 million people from different background, nationalities, social status can have proper buka puasa within10 minutes and the whole Masjid is ready for Maghrib prayer. And it's free.

Makkah is always busy, hectic and I felt the crowd. Madinah is peaceful, quiet and cooling. I love Madinah. I felt like I was on a holiday.

This scene is typical during Ramadhan. People reciting the Quran - throughout the day - and night.

The 5 item on the foreground is actually a stand for air Zam Zam

These are retractable roofs which is opened at night. The mechanical movements of the huge roof opens up to the sky.

The Raudah - where most prayers are answered by His Almighty.

The hotels - just a stone throw away from the Masjid

Kuala Lumpur City Center - 15 seconds exposure

2011-10-31T00:24:00.001+08:00

I was bored after dinner. The weather was perfect, in fact it was rather cold on the way back.

I reached KLCC almost midnight.

Before I managed to set up the tripod he lights were off. So it’s kind of a dark (KLCC) subject.

I like the moon and the thin cloud formation.

Rosti

2011-10-31T00:15:00.000+08:00

rosti very easy- grate potatoes, and put into a collander.

Press the mixture to Drain some of the liquid.

Season with salt and pepper( chili flakes pun boleh)

Then mould into shape and cook: option

1) in a frying pan on a low heat about 17-10mins each side, or :

2) roast in a preheated oven around 200'c for about 1/2 hour

Yo can also add some chopped oninons to the mixture if you like..

I just found this draft, supposed to be published months ago. I was crazy about rosti - a simple Swiss potato "pancake"

Nepal

2011-10-31T00:13:00.000+08:00

Sand Art

2011-10-31T00:06:00.001+08:00

I recently saw this in Johor Bahru during a photoshoot.

Its pretty cool. I haven't seen this before. Its dynamic with subtle frame transition accompany with music.

I stood there for awhile to enjoy it - and of course interview the artist.

COOL, I thought.

Tuan Senang Besar

2011-10-30T23:47:00.002+08:00

Credit: Photo by Jason Hue

The passing of a friend which reminds us not to take our life for granted.

Kharis, even though I do not know him very well, is a jovial guy I me a couple of years ago, on his bike in Ulu Langat. Our favorite route of nasi lemak and durian finale.

We rode together at lest ONCE, climbing up Genting Peres - the political boundary of Selangor and Negeri Sembilan.

I also bumped into him running the 10km Lake Garden - Kenny Hills loop in the city.

He was quite a jovial guy. Very active in social media, very likable and sometime he throw on my wall with some subtly controversial remarks - but I didn't mind it at all. It was just a joke.

He had a good sense of humor, quite articulate and vocal on face book.

I am proud to have someone like him as a friend.

May Allah bless your soul my friend.

Al-fatihah.

Shot this in Masjid Bulat in PJ while waiting for TSB's jenazah to arrive.

Nelson Mandela

2011-10-30T22:09:00.001+08:00

One of the greatest leader and fighter I admire most. All his life he fights for humanity. What a guy. I shot this at my friends office in Cape Town. They are proud of him, Very proud of him.

Current leaders in Malaysia? Far far far far away from it.

FAR!

WAY TOO FAR!

Ikan Singgang Terengganu

2011-10-30T21:24:00.002+08:00

One of the most simple dishes and yet one of the most delicious. Have this with steaming HOT rice.

You will thank me.

Bahan-bahan ( untuk 2 orang makan )
2-4 potong ikan tongkol/kayu/aya / tenggiri
1 cm lengkuas
1 cm kunyit hidup
3-4 ulas bawang putih
1-2 keping asam keping
Garam secukup rasa
Cili padi ikut citarasa
Air ( agak2 - kalau suka kuah banyak, lebihkan airnya)

Cara-cara

Masukkan air ke dalam periuk dan masak sehingga hampir mendidih.
Kemudian, masukkan semua bahan - ikan, lengkuas, kunyit hidup, bawang putih yang telah dihiris/diketuk, asam keping, garam dan ajinamoto ke dalam periuk tadi.
Rebus sehingga ikan betul2 masak, seterusnya campakkan cili padi ke dalam periuk. that's all. Selesai sudah satu masakan yang simple. Boleh terus hidangkan. Makan semasa panas - sedapppp!!!

Food food food

2011-10-30T21:11:00.001+08:00

Can't really be abroad for more than 10 days and not missing my Melayu food.

These are traditional Terengganu food served during buka puasa just a couple of days before Raya. We all ate together, on the floor.

Buak Puasa can't be better than this.

The spread

Ulam

Telur dadar

Timung Cina

Sambal Belacan power

Ikang Kembong

Kerabu Mangga

Wondering........

2011-10-30T20:28:00.004+08:00

This is my Things To Do List. I am quite fashion. Besides the accessibility to smart phones with endless features, I still prefer this.

Old fashion it is, but I don't care.

Speaking of old fashion, I recently founf an antique typewriter at Milnerton flea market in Cape Town and told my friend who is in his early 20s. He hasn't got a clue what a typewriter is. I have to BB him this photo - something we used before the arrival of I Mac / MacBookPro.

Hish!

Ungku Farrah

2011-10-30T19:48:00.000+08:00

During my assignment to photograph Thistle Hotel in JB, I saw scores of painting by Ungku Farrah in different parts of the hotel. I was attracted to this one. I acquired it and now sitting in my living room.
Not sure where to hang it yet.

Nadya

2011-10-30T19:40:00.001+08:00

I recently shot a birthday party for a little girl, 6 years old, Nadya. Delivered the finished albumand the CDs.

I received a long sms from her mom a couple of hours later - thanking me for what she perceived as beautiful work.

HAPPY

The birthday girl

Work in progress

Adorable. They are actually my friends daughters.

KL Cab

2011-10-30T19:31:00.002+08:00

What da!!!!

Rafika Duri

2011-10-30T19:20:00.004+08:00

Still one of my favorite songs.

Cape Town Revisited

2011-10-30T18:32:00.005+08:00

I just came back from Cape Town, 10 days of really good fun.

Perfect cycling weather. My brother would appreciate this (and sooo do I). Next time, I want to bring my bike!

It was my second time there but I don't mind going there again.

There are so many more things to see and lots of (outdoor) things to do.

I cooked dinner for my wonderful hosts. This one is stir fry vegetables purchased from Pick & Pay supermarket.

This time around I pretty much covered not just Cape Town, but also almost the whole Cape Peninsula.

I took MANY photos.

Waterfront - always a lot of people - locals, tourists and buskers! Really cool place for everybody. We had dinner there once at an African fine dining Restaurant.

And I climbed up the great Table Mountain - hiking. It was wonderful experience. The view at the top - takes your breath.

I cooked breakfast, sometimes, for me and my hosts.

When we drove through beautiful little towns like Camps Bay (beautiful mansions overlooking Atlantic Ocean with the 12 Apostles as backdrop), Betty's Bay (African penguin colony), Hermanus (Whale Watching), Cape Agulhas (the southernmost tip of Africa) and many many more.

Drove up to Signal Hill admiring the bird's eye view of Cape Town.

I am back to reality now and quite busy with work and photography. I will try to share some photos - soon.

I purchased this in Long Street downtown Cape Town. A painting on plywood - from the Year 1974. I hand carried it, even the South African customs people liked it at the airport. I couldn't fit the overhead luggage compartment on board. The stewardess was kind enough to store it in the cabinet in Business Class.

Wondering...

2011-10-30T17:55:00.006+08:00

I understand people who soup up their cars.

What I don't understand is why people have the exhaust pipe as big as Penchala Link tunnel and mega noisy. On not only that. This Proton Perdana I spotted just now has a Mitsubishi decal stickers.

Why?

Alain's 50th

2011-10-17T22:04:00.001+08:00

I was at a friends 50th birthday party. It was quite fun. I can't believe Alain (A gentlemen from Montreal, with a beautiful wife and wonderful children) is 50.

He actually play the electric guitar on the stage with his son - Stairway to Heaven. Coolest.

When I returned home, it was after midnight. I checked my mail box and my dear friend Jim who of a shop that sells les objects des art, told me that someone bought 3 pieces of my work was sold recently.

And Jim is opening another shop in a new shopping mall called Publica (Between Mont Kiara and Jalan Duta) and he want me to have another exhibition.

Of course I said YES.

I think this time around I want to show more travel photography and most probably I will blow up some of the pieces really BIG. The effect would be different.

Lets work on it

Gunung Nuang revisited

2011-10-17T01:32:00.001+08:00

My group of friends are organizing a trip to trek Nepal end of December. Everybody has been busy with work and we haven't really started training. In order to enjoy such a trip, one has to be very fit. Imagine walking the whole day, everyday for almost 10 days. You'd better be well prepared.

I am working on it. I have started running again.

Last weekend we decided to climb Nuang,

It was tough. Kinabalu is tough in terms of the duration of the climb. Nuang is more difficult. It is a lot more technical compared to Kinabalu.

We were not lucky in Nuang. The trail was wet and slippery - and dirty. We managed to complete trekking for 10 hours.

It was crazy but the view was fantastic.

It a brilliant camp site too. We promise to camp there soon - at least that was what we agreed there. I really hope it will be materialized.

Shooting THISTLE Hotel, Johor Bahru

2011-10-16T20:05:00.006+08:00

The 3 day shooting in Johor Bahru recently was really tough.

I woke up before sunrise and finished at 2am. It was so tiring.

And crazy enough, the day before I left for JB, we went trekking in Gunong Nuang and the trekking was 10 blinking hours with a lot of technical stretches. To make it worse, it was raining very heavily the night before - the trails was sooooo muddy - like porridge.

This was shot literally minutes after shooting the final location - the spa. Without thinking, I just sad on the massage chair and actually dozed off for good 30 minutes. Felt a lot better after.

Shooting Thistle was quite fun. My host was quite a cool girls.

Nina

2011-09-12T00:57:00.002+08:00

The Bamboo Bridge

2011-09-08T16:31:00.006+08:00

I notice the bridge while having breakfast in front of my boutique hotel, on a platform on the river bank facing the river... and the bridge.

This was my daily breakfast view, during which I update my journal, review photos and planning for the day excursion.

I saw a monk walking on the bamboo bridge. I rushed immediately but could catch him. It was quite frustrating at the beginning until I realized it is not a rare site through out the day... or though out average Luang Prabang day....

and I managed to capture this.

Given a choice, my most favourite man-made structure in Luang Prabang, I would choose the bamboo bridge with monks walking on it.

Like this one!

Gears

2011-09-06T00:00:00.000+08:00

The night before the climb, I arrange everything by my bed. I thought I have everything. Unfortunately I forgot to unpack my headlights. Luckily Yats got one extra.

Phew...

Proven - mental list is NOT working in this kind of activity.

Silly me.

Still My Idol

2011-09-05T23:55:00.000+08:00

Still

My Luggage

2011-09-05T23:53:00.000+08:00

This bag is one of my best traveling companion. It has never failed me. It protects my belonging while traveling and at the hotel perfectly well.

It is not a Louis Vouitton, it better and cheaper!

Walkabout Kota Kinabalu

2011-09-05T23:50:00.000+08:00

Walking around in Kota Kinabalu before climbing the beautiful mountain. After the Filipino market we took a walk to buy the out-door gear shops nearby. Yats and Karinsky have their local hats on - quite useful on a hot sunny day.

Tutup Aurat

2011-09-05T23:45:00.001+08:00

You can see this sign at the entrance of Tabung Haji Kelana Jaya.

I was there a couple of months ago to withdraw some money form my savings. My daily uniform is short - almost cover my knees. I was quite reluctant to proceed when I enter the premise with this sign so visible on your face.

I persisted.

Managed to do a withdrawal without any problem.

Phew....

Running Buddies

2011-09-05T23:40:00.002+08:00

Nan (the girl on the right) is not only a running buddy, but also a cycling buddy. Been every where with her. Both are my good buddies. We have known each other for more than a decade.

Bukit Broga

2011-09-05T23:37:00.001+08:00

I love trekking, especially with a good bunch of friends. We have climbed Broga Hill several times - weekends and weekdays.

I prefer weekdays.

This is also one of the reasons I love KL. The trail head is less than half an hour from home.

Kapas from Kelulut

2011-09-02T02:52:00.002+08:00

I asked my sister in law, Sue to stop the car on the way to my brother's place to shoot the view of Pulau Kapas from Kpg Kelulut.

The storm was approaching.

I thought we would have a wet raya, but I was wrong.

Junior Terengganu Swimming Team - in the making

2011-09-02T02:50:00.002+08:00

Adam and Omar - Warming up before training session

Adam doing his strokes

Really proud of this 2 boys.

Asrul's New Home

2011-09-02T02:45:00.002+08:00

My brother spoils his children.

He built a house each for each of the boys - 4 of them.

This one belongs to Asrul, the eldest son, almost completed.

This is the wall of the living room. Omar and Alisa posed for me, with an unfinished paint job as backdrop.

I think I will frame some nice photos for their house warming.

*note to self* Don't forget this.

ICT, Kuala Terengganu Version

2011-09-02T02:42:00.002+08:00

This is the latest development behind Kampung China where the y have reclaimed the land. It was a river before and now it a solid ground.

This is also the site for Jom Heboh concert.

Quite nice, this water front overlooks Monsoon Cup venue.

Jalan Banggol, Kuala Terengganu

2011-09-02T02:17:00.000+08:00

Recently shot in Kuala Terengganu, on Jalan Banggol, a stone throw away from Pasar Payang. Very disappointed with the state government for tearing down some of the old shop houses.

*sigh*

They haven't a clue about the value of our heritage.

Stupid!

Cycling Ulu Langat

2011-08-20T02:33:00.002+08:00

After a 60km ride on Sunday morning in Ulu Langat, we normally take a dip into the cool (sometimes too cold) river Langat. After which we will go for Nasi Lemak and durian for dessert.

This is the view at the nasi lemak place.

This is one out of many reasons why I love Kuala Lumpur. This spot is just 30 minutes away from home.

Private Presentation to a Collector

2011-08-20T02:28:00.002+08:00

A couple of months ago I met Geoff during the launch of Ambiance at 1 Mont Kiara. At the same event I did my first exhibition.

Geoff and his wife, both are Aussies were very interested in my work, requested my to present to them at their beautiful home in Serene Kiara.

I sold 3 pieces. A pair to them and another one to Rhonda, an American - a neighbor of theirs.

Another Kapas Weekend

2011-08-20T02:06:00.002+08:00

How can you get tired of this?

And this...

How?

Baik Untok Kita?

2011-08-19T18:05:00.003+08:00

This is a Guinness Stout ad published in the 60s in Malaysia. My friend, Adam, got it from his friend from a library in the States.

If this kind of advert were to be publish in local dailies, I bet it going to be a big drama in Malaysian politics.

A day before Ramadhan

2011-08-19T03:03:00.003+08:00

The very last day, a day before puasa, I drove the brondong to have Nasi Dagang breakfast at Che Nah in Subang Jaya

Different shades of my favorite building in KL

2011-08-19T02:43:00.004+08:00

I recently gave a short night tour of KL to my friend Gary from Manila who is visiting KL. Took him to Dataran Merdeka.

He is very impressed with KL.

Yes, I am proud and love this city.

I hope the politicians will not ruin it

Dream Chair - ‎"Even if it's black, it's green."

2011-08-19T02:25:00.007+08:00

One of the most rewarding days of my life.

The Aeron chair didn't end up in the Museum of Modern Art's permanent collection just because it looks cool. Although it does. Its looks are only the beginning. Aeron accommodates both the sitter and the environment. It adapts naturally to virtually every body, and it's 94% recyclable. Even if it's black, it's green. [www.hermanmiller.com]

AERON chair [the manual that comes with it]

Imaginative design, fast-forward ergonomics and a look so distinctive that it's probably the only office chair that people can identify by name. Adaptable to all sizes and shapes and all the motions you go through every day while seated, Aeron provides healthy comfort and balanced body support with its innovative suspension and easy-to-use adjustment controls. Work chair, side chair, and stool support all kinds of office work.

The lumbar adjustable support follows the natural contour of your spine

A modest, but fundamental, design addition, PostureFit is part of what makes Aeron so comfortable to sit in, even for hours and hours on end. PostureFit supports the way your pelvis tilts naturally forward, so that your spine stays aligned and you avoid back pain.

How to take care of your chair.

We're serious about comfort. The high, wide, contoured back takes the pressure off your lower spine. Armrests slope slightly down in the back for the most natural and comfortable support. The "waterfall" front edge of the seat takes the pressure off your thighs, so your blood keeps circulating and you stay alert and focused. The patented Kinemat tilt mechanism lets your neck, shoulders, hips, knees, and ankles pivot naturally. The Aeron chair moves effortlessly with your whole body, as if your body were telling the chair what to do.

And it comes with 12 years warranty - can you believe it?

The Aeron aesthetic has been copied and copied-because, well, it's a beautiful chair. But despite its stand-out look, it fits right in, whether your office is high-tech, casual, elegant, or a room at home that doubles as a gym. Three Pellicle weaves in neutral colors and a range of finish options so that you can create the Aeron you really want.

Try sitting on it - I am serious - you will fall in love..... with the chair.

p/s rewarding because I bought this chair using the fees I got from my photography services. Very rewarding.

Madinah

2011-08-19T01:45:00.003+08:00

Shot, right before subuh prayer during ziarah in Madinah - al- Nabawi mosque. During my umrah trip a few years back.

BREAD and BUTTER PUDDING

2011-08-15T12:42:00.005+08:00

I prefer to cook during ramadhan. One, partly because bazaar ramadhan sucks - not tasty and overpriced.

I baked my own dessert - like some other thing I cook, the recipes are from the internet.

A couple of days bake I bakes bread and butter pudding for my sister buka puasa. I didn't even eat it. I baked it just for her.

She hangs around her good friends during her summer holidays before she goes back to school in Milwaukee.

set the oven at 180 degree Celsius

10 pieces of white bread - white bread? I know, bad ain't it?

trim the crust

spread some butter on each piece and also line the oven safe container with butter too

Raisin, presoaked in hot water - to soften it

boil 4 cups of full cream milk (not low fat ya) add 1 cup of sugar once boiling

4 eggs - beaten

pour the eggs into the boiling milk and stir well.

add 2 tea spoon of vanilla essence, again, stir well.

pour over the buttered bread and raisin

ready for the oven

180 degree Celcius for 25 minutes

et VOILA!

2011-08-08T23:37:00.003+08:00

“A friend cannot be considered a friend until he is tested in three occasions: in time of need, behind your back, and after your death.”
“Ali ibn abi Talib”

Chow Kit

2011-08-08T18:10:00.006+08:00

I had about 30 minutes to kill while waiting for time to berbuka puasa. Buka puasa was at Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, at an East Coast joint serves ikan singgang - my favorite.

I think I know how to cook it but I just hate to deal with fresh fish in my kitchen. It stinks.

Armed with my I phone, a smile and sense of adventure, I managed to capture this. Nothing great, but I like them.

Selamat berbuka puasa.

ikan selayang

buah salak

jambu air

nenas

cool jual ikan boy with ikan merah (I think)

tebu - menanam tebu di pinggir bibir

pisang

pasar chow kit

my kuala lumpur

CINTA SONGKET

2011-08-08T03:57:00.002+08:00

I just got back from berbuka puasa at my friend’s place, SR. A businessman with a lovely wife and very talented child. I have photographed the family twice and the results were apparently outstanding.

I had to have lunch with the family to present my work. The smiles in their face were magic. It was a major satisfaction to me.

Anyway, SR is an art collector. Havent been t the house for a while and I notices new pieces that caught my eyes. Syed Ahmad Jamal’s and and italian bust of a lady, sculptured in glass. Solid glass. Beautiful pieces.

I am not really in touched with any art scene but I do appreciate great works of art.

When I returned home we were exchanging gratitudes on the dinner and he also sent me a series of photos of his songket collection. Seriously, he is a serious collector.

He sees the work of Terengganu art. I do to, of course. But it’s very nice to hear such remarks made by someone who is not from Terengganu but passionate about songket.

I myself have always been impressed by the work of art and I do recognize not just the effort but also more importantly the talents of songket designers and weavers.

The work of art in some culture are very fine and of the highest quality from the people and most of them give their best to give to their respective gods - like the ornate carvings on their buildings of worship - mosques, churches, wats etc. Human dedication tho their creators - what ever their belief, irregardless.

Sonket is different in that sense. It has got NOTHING to do with you devotion to God. It is just art expressed beautifully with endless passion. If you understand how long it is to complete, intricacy of its design, color scheme, and various other factors, you woud understand what I mean.

Not unlike the carpet weavers. Traditionally it is an individual expression of his / her work of art, again with deep passion and pride.

I personally know a songket designer, YM Tengku Ismail Tengku Su. A person I admire in term of his deep knowledge in Terengganu culture and its sultanate. Unfortunately Tengku Ismail (fondly known as Ku We) is currently is not well, suffering from a serious heart attack and under life support in London. I am very sad and worried that we might lose him - meaning to say, we would lose a part of Terengganu culture.

My prayers - may he recover and come back to the beautiful Pura Tanjung Sabtu.

It would be very sad to see the disappearance of beautiful skills in our culture which has been with us for centuries - no doubt worth preserving as it is part of our identity we are proud of.

Unfortunately I do not see serious effort being done to ensure the continuity of this skill.

My ambition is to produce a coffee-table book on Terengganu and of course songket will be one of the highlights.

INSYAALLAH.

Selamat Menyambut Ramadhan

2011-07-31T18:29:00.005+08:00

The Grand Mosque Hassan II, Casablanca, Morocco.

Shot in the cold Moroccan winter, February 2008, right before subuh prayer.

DIFFERENT STROKES - LAOS

2011-07-31T13:29:00.006+08:00

I revisited Luang Prabang photos last night and playing around with different tints using Photoshop and the results are quite amazing. It gives different moods. Cropping also help in hiding several details yet focusing more on the subject rather than the surrounding.

An everyday scene, scores of monks (mostly young ones) crossing this bamboo bridge which is located about a stone throw away from the boutique hotel I stayed in.

A lady selling saffron color Buddhist wrist bands for good luck. I approached her to take a picture but she called me and tied 2 strings around my wrists. It is against my religious belief but I let her anyway. I don't think they are any harm to me as I do not believe in it. I wore them for a few weeks as souvenir from Vientiane. Can't remember where they are now.

You can only have this kind of shot if you wake up very early in the morning - like 5.30am. The monks stroll the streets of Laos (just like in Thailand) to collect elms from the locals (and tourists) before sunrise.

I spotted this lady walking in the market. I thought she look very regal. My guess is she is from Laos aristocrats. Very graceful, not only from what she wears, but also from the way she moves.

I bumped into this man several times when I visited the market. I don't think he sells anything. Perhaps he collects garbage for living - you know like recycle bottles and cartons. I find his face is full of definition and character. He asked me for some money after I capture his photo. I didn't entertain him.

Despite whats being portrayed here, this lady is quite vivd and colorful in real life. She is one of the vendors in the market selling some local veggies. Friendly.

Just outside the market, there is a temple and this where this old lady was photographed. She was waiting for someone literally at the door step of the temple. She seemed to be looking far away at times and didn't give any response to my presence. She didn't say a single word. Perhaps she was waiting for someone....

Another typical scene in Luang Prabang. I really like those bamboo bridges. Its so Asian and exotic. When I first I saw the bridge, immediately I know its an interesting subject. Very rare. When I posted on Facebook - the bridge is one of my friends favorites.

This was shot in a monastery, before noon. I think they were preparing to have their last meal for the day. The frame around the monk is not a door. Its a window. I was so delighted to learn that he didn't mind to be photographed.

Frankly, only last night I realized I have this photo. Another shot from the market. I haven't a clue what she sells.

Fun Spin to the East Coast

2011-07-30T13:19:00.005+08:00

I ended up in Pulau Kapas - last beach holiday before the holy month of Ramadan. At the same time, my nephew was scheduled to get engaged during the same weekend so I guess I could kill 2 birds with one stone.

Unfortunately (or may be fortunately) my car took longer time than usual to be serviced due to unavailability of a spare part. My last resort was to call my friend and exchange my Jeep over the weekend for his Mini Cooper.

I love driving the Cooper. Not as quiet or as comfortable as my sedan, but definitely more fun to drive.

It’s like driving a relatively more comfortable version go cart. It sticks to the road like glue. I like to flirt with the max when negotiating a bend.

The usual ritual, of course, we have to stop by Hai Peng Kopitiam in Chukai, Kemaman for a cuppa, kaya buns adnd half boiled eggs. Yummy!

Cotton Candy Tree House

2011-07-30T12:32:00.003+08:00

I have to tell you about the tree house.

Yes, it is real tree house. Really cool. The only set back is there is no toilet. You gotta walk 3 storey down to get to the toilet.

I was supposed to stay in one of the A hut, my usual no. 2 chalet from the beach, steps away from the sand and hammocks. Unfortunately, Kapas Beach Chalet has been getting heavy reservation due to high backpackers season of the year.

Since there were no other rooms available, I was given the tree house belongs to Zack, a friendly and generous guy you run the and own the boat service from Marang to Pulau Kapas.

But seriously, the tree house is like a shrine to Bob Marley. At the beginning it was rather spooky but after a while the ambience becomes quite enjoyable really.

It is really nice to lepak on the verandah of the tree house, facing the ocean. We can just chill without anybody watching - so its kind of cool.

Cotton Candy Island

2011-07-30T11:33:00.005+08:00

My friend invented this name. I kinda like it.

Cotton Candy Island - can be a nice catchy name for a resort / restaurant, - befitting the name of the Island - Pulau Kapas or cotton island en angliase.

One of my friends even commented on FB that my frequent visits to Kapas is bordering obsession. I gotta agree with her - but you can’t blame me!

Every month for the past 3 months.

My approach to Kapas is man man in colloquial Chinese, meaning slowly / gradually. It is a small island but a gentle approach gives you more satisfaction and depth.

The good stuffs are in the rewarding details.

2011-07-19T19:52:00.001+08:00

bumped into this at hikehimalaya.com

But King Gyanendra soon took over absolute power by removing the Prime Minister and appointing his own hand-picked ministers. However, this wasn’t to last long, as all political parties including the Maoists joined hands to rise up against him. King Gyanendra was forced to step down and stripped of all his powers. Immediately after democracy was reinstated in April, the Maoists announced a cease-fire. The government, under Girija Prasad Koirala, responded with their announcement of a cease-fire. After about 6 months of peace talks, the head of the government, Girija Prasad Koirala, and the chairperson of Maoist party, Puspa Kamal Dahal, ( Prachanda), signed a peace agreement on 21 October 2006. The Polls for the Constituent Assembly held on April 10, 2008 where Maoists achieved a majority in the elections. A month later parliament abolished the monarchy, declared as a republic nation, ending 240 years of Shah dynasty rule.

Interesting, I thought.

A post from a friend of my FB friend

2011-07-10T14:54:00.001+08:00

Paraphrased from Sheryll Christine... My thoughts the day after Bersih 2.0: all of us - demonstrators, detractors, cops, Umno, PKR etc are Malaysians. Let's try to understand each other - none of us are 100% evil or 100% good. At the end, we have only each other to depend on to take on the world & its bigger challenges. We can agree to disagree, but let's do it with grace & compassion.

BERSIH lagi

2011-07-10T14:51:00.000+08:00

yellow or red, streets or stadium, march or dialog? - one thing for sure, 1 whole Malaysia is divided into fragments now. Perhaps the objective has been met.

Another one of my take on BERSIH

2011-07-10T14:50:00.000+08:00

Malaysians have taken political issues to the streets before.
Two prime examples are Peristiwa Baling in Kedah in the 70s, and in 1997 in the streets of my beloved city Kuala Lumpur. Coincidently, both were initiated and lead by the very SAME ambitious individual. These incidents are ugly scars on the face of our beloved nation, besides May the 13th.

I would like to reemphasize my stand here. I am not against what BERSEH’s is fighting for. I am all for fair election and eradication of corruption at all levels, across the board - the Federal Government and each of the State Governments including Pulau Pinang and Selangor - not just for the benefit of foreign investors, but also the locals like you and me.

We have seen around the world people fight for what they call democracy, human rights and freedom of speech - cool sounding buzz words. By uttering them some people think they already contribute to the country. These words are not mere street chants. Its deeper than that and quite locational specific in nature. The sad truth is there are parties who abuse these terms, hiding behind them for their own political gain and survival, and the sadder truth is there are a lot of us out there who are so emotional and gullible.

We have to objectively look at the bigger picture and longer term implications. Like the weather, politics nowadays is no doubt GLOBAL. Don’t be naive, we should make a point to figure out the BIGGER agenda - far beyond the stadium, beyond our political boundary.

My take on BERSIH

2011-07-10T14:46:00.001+08:00

congratulates the Thais for peacefully decided their future by voting - not marching the streets of Bangkok!

I am all for fair elections but in this case I smell BAD politics.

I respect each individual’s political inclination - that’s our fundamental rights. However, just because they think its cool to go against the establishment or just because they are so gullible to some political websites, that doesn’t mean they can justify to march the street of KL.

I have personally experienced how BAD politics divided Terengganu into pieces - until today.

Our (PAS) relatives come for Hari Raya to our (BN) home not eating the meat we serve because it was not slaughtered by PAS people.

Some PAS people just don’t go for Friday prayers because they live near (BN) mosques. Its like the moslems in Terengganu worship 2 different gods.

We have members of our family in both camps and both sides suck!

At the same time even UMNO Terengganu is divided into different camps. So the Malays are broken into tiny groups and FAR from being united until TODAY.

If BERSEH truly apolitical, and truly fights for fair elections and love Malaysia - why want to march the street? Do it with diplomacy. Sometimes it seems that there are so blinded with emotions - want to topple the government lah, this and that but did they even evaluate the repercussion of such actions to the whole big picture of our nation and its long term socioeconomic implications?

I am not deeply in love with the ruling party. Hell yes BN has lot to improve. However, the street is not an alternative.

Our Pembangkang is very weak. Quite a significant numbers of them were in BN too. Education Minister, Finance Minister even DPM. But, what did they do when they were on the “throne”? Education system was in a mess, and still is. We almost kowtow to IMF and gone bankrupt during the economic crisis.

Cakap memang senang! Ini semua kerja hasut menghasut di belakang tabir “Human Rights” and “Democracy”. Kononnya.

Remeber, we gained our independence from the British without spilling a single drop of blood. So, be a responsible citizen. Resolve this PEACEFULLY lah!