So You Think You...

Trip to Macau, Zhuhai, Shenzhen and Hong Kong (Nov/Dec 2008) - Part 14

2008-12-30T09:25:00.003+08:00

Another video footage of fireworks display at Disneyland Hong Kong for your viewing pleasure.

Trip to Macau, Zhuhai, Shenzhen and Hong Kong (Nov/Dec 2008) - Part 13

2008-12-29T20:48:00.003+08:00

More footage of fireworks display at the Disneyland Hong Kong taken on 2-12-08.

Trip to Macau, Zhuhai, Shenzhen and Hong Kong (Nov/Dec 2008) - Part 12

2008-12-29T20:42:00.005+08:00

A compilation of photos taken from Zhuhai's Guangdong Regency Hotel at its revolving restaurant on 29-11-08. Enjoy the view of the city.

Trip to Macau, Zhuhai, Shenzhen and Hong Kong (Nov/Dec 2008) - Part 11

2008-12-29T20:18:00.003+08:00

Be mesmerised by the fireworks display at Disneyland Hong Kong

Trip to Macau, Zhuhai, Shenzhen and Hong Kong (Nov/Dec 2008) - Part 10

2008-12-29T19:59:00.004+08:00

Enjoy the colourful display of fireworks at Disneyland Hong Kong.

Trip to Macau, Zhuhai, Shenzhen and Hong Kong (Nov/Dec 2008) - Part 9

2008-12-29T19:15:00.000+08:00

Oh yes, I managed to take a peep at the Disneyland’s Hollywood Hotel as we don’t have to budget to stay there. Too bad, I have no photos to share with you guys for the room.

Before ending our final night in Hong Kong and also our trip, we took the opportunity to take a stroll at the Women Street where we had our dinner and did our last minute shopping of souvenirs.

Our final day 6 of this trip with no time allocated for any visit as we have to catch an early flight back via Jeststar’s 3K692 which departed from Hong Kong at 11.05 am. At the airport, I managed to ‘clear’ my wallet of all the Hong Kong money that I had buying the local delicacies like Lau Po Ping (Wife Biscuit) and etc.

We finally arrived at the Singapore’s Changi Airport at 14.40 pm.

Trip to Macau, Zhuhai, Shenzhen and Hong Kong (Nov/Dec 2008) - Part 8

2008-12-29T19:11:00.000+08:00

We ended day 4 with a visit to the Avenue of Stars before checking into a 3-stars Metropark Mongkok Hotel.

In the early morning of Day 5, we had the opportunity to try Hong Kong’s tim sums. Of course, the tour guide funnily told us to lower our expectation in term of the quantity provided as the cost of livings here is just unbearable high. So we had to ‘ta pau’ (packed) some egg tarts and buns to supplement our breakfast.

Our first visit on day 5 of our tour was the Wong Dai Shin temple. We couldn’t access into most parts of this infamous temple complex as it is under massive renovation at the moment.

As meals will not be provided as from now in this tour, we decided to take our lunch first before visiting Disneyland Hong Kong. Owing to the exhorbitive pricings, we were advised to avoid consuming food and drinks inside Disneyland if we could. Only a bottle of mineral water is allowed to be brought in (in fact, we have to go through a security check before allowed entry into the theme park).

Disneyland Hong Kong is rather small in term of size as compared to its counterparts in US, Paris and Tokyo. It is quite different from the other theme parks we had visited in this trip like Shenzhen’s Splendid China and Happy Valley and Hong Kong’s Ocean Park. I think it is more suitable for young kids where the rides are less challenging. However, the ambience is very different, transporting our memories back to our very young age where fairy tales and animations embraced our lives then.

In the evening, we were entertained by the parade of many many cartoons personalities like Snow Whites and the & Dwarfs, Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Donald Ducks, Cinderella and etc. All these remind me of my childhood days.

Trip to Macau, Zhuhai, Shenzhen and Hong Kong (Nov/Dec 2008) - Part 7

2008-12-29T19:05:00.000+08:00

After lunch, it was the kids’ world again. The next visit was Hong Kong’s Ocean Park where we spent the whole afternoon here. The most memorable scenes here were of course, the pandas, the dolphins show and the ride up the hill via the cable car which gave us another fantastic view of Hong Kong. As for the kids, nothing beats the thrills of the heart-wrenching rides. Definitely a no-no for me, born with chicken heart…

After dinner, we went up the Victoria Peak by coach where we visited Madame Tussauds’s Wax Mesuem. We understood that had we used the tram to travel up Victoria Peak, the evening scenery of Hong Kong would have been more memorable. Anyway, the museum is divided into three sections, namely the internationally reknown film stars and singers; personalities comprising politicians, rich and famous; and lastly sport personalities.

Trip to Macau, Zhuhai, Shenzhen and Hong Kong (Nov/Dec 2008) - Part 6

2008-12-29T18:59:00.000+08:00

After lunch, we proceeded to the 2nd theme park in our itinerary which is the Shenzhen’s Happy Valley. The kids had a fantastic afternoon in this theme park but being a weekend, the queue was too lengthy and the wait was just unbearable long.

Before the night ended on day 3, we took the opportunity to stroll the Dongmen Street, where the 1st McDonald outlet in mainland China is situated.

Day 4, we started our journey early to Hong Kong by rail. The hotel we stayed in Shenzhen is located just across the street from the railway station. We had to drag our luggage up the pedestrian bridge, then after a long and sweaty walks, we finally reached the railway station. It was swarmed with people, a daily affair in fact. The rail ride took us slightly more than an hour to reach Hong Kong.

Our first stop was the Bauhinia Square, a venue that saw the return of Hong Kong by Great Britain to the People’s Republic of China.

We then took a short coach ride to Hong Kong’s Repulse Bay. Here, the view of Hong Kong’s coastal line was just too mesmerizing and where the residences of the former colony’s rich and famous are found.

Before we adjourned for lunch, we were brought to the Aberdeen Fishing Village where we took a brief boat’s ride to view how the fishing communities get on with their daily lives here since the early establishment of Hong Kong. The Jumbo Restaurant is also located here but we were given the understanding that the owner, Macau’s King of Casino, Stanley Ho will be towing this landmark back to his territory rather soon. The boat ride costs us HKD50 per head and the funny thing was we had to pay the fare not upon reaching the jetty but in the middle of the sea which is rather odd. Sounds like being ‘slaughtered’, isn’t it?

Trip to Macau, Zhuhai, Shenzhen and Hong Kong (Nov/Dec 2008) - Part 5

2008-12-29T18:54:00.000+08:00

We left Splendid China for a brief dinner break outside and returned to the same theme park to enjoy a splendid cultural show at the China Folks Village.

Day 2 ended with a late check-in into the Felicity Hotel, a 5-stars hotel in town.

The next morning in Day 3, we were brought for the city tour of the Shenzhen City. We were awed by the developments that have been brought to this new city, mushroomed by skyline of high rise buildings with unique designs that is parallel to those found in Shanghai.

The first destination of our city tour is the Shenzhen’s museum.

Any arranged tour to mainland China is never complete without visits to outlets selling jewellery and tea leaves. Shenzhen is famous for its Lychee tea leaves, supposedly.

Trip to Macau, Zhuhai, Shenzhen and Hong Kong (Nov/Dec 2008) - Part 4

2008-12-29T18:43:00.000+08:00

Our first stop of the Zhuhai’s city tour was the Mermaid Statute which was created by a well known sculptor, Mr Pan He according to a local folklore.

Our next stop was the Shijingshan Park where we would get a birdeyes’ viewof the Zhuhai city. To get to the hilltop, we took cable cars (with dangling legs in the air type) to capture another view of this beautiful city. But the trip down the hill was probably something more memorable although we have the choice of the same cable car ride. We took ‘Tommy Car’, a ride which was so terrifying along the edge of the hill, swerving left to right at breakneck speed. At the end of the ride, we were awarded a ‘certificate of achievement’, of course at a charge with our terrifying looks imprinted on the certificate for remembrance.

After lunch, we set off for another city in the mainland China, Shenzhen. The coach ride took us about 2.5 to 3 hours and our first destination was a large theme park, Splendid China. Immediately, we see delightful faces from the kids in our tour, all 9 of them, the moment they have been waiting for. The tour guide immediately ushered us to the War Show which was one of the highlight in this theme park.

After the show, we toured the theme park which featured many miniature scenic spots in China.

Trip to Macau, Zhuhai, Shenzhen and Hong Kong (Nov/Dec 2008) - Part 3

2008-12-29T18:38:00.000+08:00

We were subsequently brought to the Wynn Casino, which is not too far a distance from here. Besides taking a quick look around the casino, we enjoyed a 15 minutes show at the centre court of the casino building.

We subsequently proceeded to the Mazhu Temple or better known as the ‘A-Ma Temple’. This temple existed before the city of Macau came into being and is an exemplary representation of the Chinese culture inspired by Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism and multiple folk beliefs.

The main highlights of our trip to Macau are of course the visit to the reknown ‘Venetian Macau Resort’. This 5-stars hotel is huge! There are lots of lots of shopping in this spacious complex and branded boutiques are aplenty here, you name you got it. But the most notable feature is of course, the sky-look-alike ceiling of the building. Indeed a jaw-dropping experience, so hard to describe until you see it for yourself. No wonder it is dubbed the building that never sleeps because there is never a night in here. A must experience location when you next visit Macau, never mind even if you do not gamble.

As for local delicacies in Macau, we tried the infamous Portuguese Egg Tarts. Absolutely fantastic but too bad, we can bring them back to Malaysia to share with you guys. However, we brought back some Almond cookies.

Before the night ends, we crossed over the Chinese border and stayed overnight at the Guangdong Regency Hotel in the city of Zhuhai. A tiring first day, I quickly dozed off the moment coming into contact with the bed.

Zhuhai overlooks Hong Kong over the sea and borders with Macau on land. Occupying an area of 7,653 sq km, among which 1,687 sq km are land area, it has coastal line of 691 km and has 146 islands, thus winning the name of ‘City of one hundred islands’. Its population is over 1.4 million. We started our day 2 with a breakfast at the upper floor of the hotel’s revolving restaurant. Too bad, we understood that it is only revolving in the afternoon and evening, what a timing! Nevertheless, I took some snapshots giving a bird’s eyes view of the Zhuhai city.

Trip to Macau, Zhuhai, Shenzhen and Hong Kong (Nov/Dec 2008) - Part 2

2008-12-29T18:26:00.000+08:00

Upon leaving the airport, Macau gave me the impression as a very authentic city, a blend of old buildings alongside with new one. Some of these buildings are very uniquely designed and charming in all aspects. Traffic was hardly heavy and we were told that it is rare to encounter traffic lights here. Pace of life is slow and almost everyone here is earning a living associated with the gambling and tourism industries. Macau is now a Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China and is located in the Guangdong province. It is rather small, just an area of 29.2 km with population of 530,000 only.

Our first stop was the visit to the Ruins of St Paul’s which is the façade of what was originally the Church of Mater Dei built in 1602-1640. It was destroyed by a fire in 1835. The ruins of St Paul’s College stood adjacent to the Church. Nowadays, the façade of the Ruins of St Paul’s functions symbolically as an altar to the city.

Just next to this was a Na Tcha Temple which is hardly noticeable by many. Nevertheless, it is heartwarming to see an ancient church situated just next to a Chinese temple, a symbol of unity and harmonious livings amid the turbulences faced in the other side of the world over religions differences. This temple was built in 1888 and is dedicated to the worship of Na Tcha.

After our buffet lunch, we had a short stroll at the nearby Macau Fishermen’s Wharf. It is a theme park which contains many retail shops, restaurants, bars and other entertainment venues with recreational objectives. We were told the ambience in the evening is absolutely a must-see experience but too bad, we would have to leave for Zhuhai by then.

Trip to Macau, Zhuhai, Shenzhen and Hong Kong (Nov/Dec 2008) - Part 1

2008-12-29T18:17:00.000+08:00

Another year has passed quietly and gladly, we got on with our second trip with almost the same group of friends and their family. This time, our trip was planned in such a way that we took budget airlines, i.e. Tiger Airways from Singapore to Macau and for our return flight, from Hong Kong back to Singapore via Jetstar. We arranged land tour from a local agent and the tour encompassed a day trip in Macau and cross over to China’s Zhuhai for a night stay. After sightseeing in Zhuhai, we left for Shenzhen by coach where we spent day 2 and 3 there. On day 4, we travelled by rail to Hong Kong where we stayed for another 2 nights. All in all, this 6 days 5 nights tour with 17 of us of which 9 are kids ranging from 3 to as old as 15 years old would visit 4 theme parks.

As we are catching an early flight at 6.05 am to Macau, we travelled by van from our homes at around 2.00 am to the Singapore Changi’s Budget Terminal. The clearance was smooth at both side of the causeway at this hour and we were at the airport in less than 1 and a half hour. The crowd at the budget terminal wasn’t that huge but food outlets seem lacking and seats were notably inadequate as well.

After a long wait, we finally boarded the plane, TR906 which took off according to schedule for our flight to Macau. The journey took 3 hours and 40 minutes and we finally arrived at the Macau International Airport. However, the wait for our local tour guide to pick us up at the airport was a long one due to miscommunication but nevertheless, our spirits remained high, looking forward to an exciting and hectic days ahead.

Taiwan Trip @ Day 9 (Bon Voyage) - Part 10

2007-12-30T17:19:00.000+08:00

Day 9 marked the end of our fantastic tour of Taiwan Island when we boarded CI669 departing from Kaoshiung at 9.15 am for our flight home. We finally reached Singapore Changi Airport at 1.05 pm.

During this trip, the followings observation were made: -

a. Rivers in Taiwan are generally dry. The tour guide clarified that the phenomenon is due to the geographical terrain of the island. Being mountainous at the centre, water flows rather quickly into the sea. Taiwanese erected reservoirs along the rivers to conserve water for consumption purposes as well as for generation of electricity.

b. Scooters are aplenty in Taipei, Kaoshiung, Hualien and other major cities.

c. Despite the lack of natural landscape in Taiwan as compared to China (partly due to the latter’s vast size), Taiwan compensates this limitation with its friendly and courteous people. Cleanliness is well maintained although a substantial part of its cities are dotted with old buildings.

d. Pollution is quite apparent in most of the major cities.

Similar to China, Taiwan is also not spared from signages bearing Engrish which I came across as English is not the preferred language in its education system.

Taiwan Trip @ Day 8 (Taipei-Kaoshiung) - Part 9

2007-12-30T17:15:00.000+08:00

Day 8 was supposed to be the final day of our tour but owing to twist of event involving complication of flight ticketing by our Malaysian’s agent, we got an extended day and best of all, it was all paid for. The only setback, the departure airport was in Kaoshiung instead of Taipei. But how can we complain since we got free bullet train ride which cost NT$1,260 for a journey of one and a half hour from Taoyuan station in Taipei to Zuoying station in Kaoshiung. After breakfast and check out from the hotel, we set off for Taiwan Miniature Park. It is a theme park divided into 3 sections.

Mini Taiwan features miniature landmarks of Taiwan ranging from ports, highways, train station to major buildings, some of which we had visited during this tour.

There is the Mini China which displayed major landmarks in mainland China such as the Great Wall of China, the Tiger Hill Pagoda and etc.

The 3rd section featured Mini World displaying major landmarks outside China and Taiwan such as the Pisa Tower, Taj Mahal and etc.

There is also a section allocated for theme park with rides such as roller coaster, bumper car, pirates ship and etc which was really a treat to the kids. There were also performances by clowns, magic show, and cannonball man.

At 3.52 pm, we boarded the high speed train reaching Kaoshiung at 5.30 pm, a journey normally requiring approximately 5 hours by coach. After a quick dinner, we returned back to the hotel for packing.

Taiwan Trip @ Day 7 (DIY at Taipei) - Part 8

2007-12-30T16:52:00.000+08:00

Day 7 has been designated for free and easy activities. We took MRT (paying for a full-day ride of NT$150) from the Longshan station to the Taipei City Hall station. We paid a short visit to the Taipei Discovery Centre before proceeding to Taiwan’s most popular landmark, the Taipei 101 tower which is currently regarded as the tallest building in the world.

From Taipei 101, we proceeded by MRT again to the Dansui station where we visited the Tamshui pier. There were plenty of stalls and shops selling a great varieties of products and food here and shopping spirit was hardly dampened by the drizzle.

We paid NT$100 for a short boat ride to the Tamshui Fisherman Wharf from the pier. We were so charmed by the view at the wharf which is very different from the rest in Taipei. Take a stroll on the bridge and you will be mesmerized by its romantic environment, an ideal spot for courting couples.

We finally ended our free and easy day at Ximending, famous for its shopping street which is accessible by MRT at the Ximen station. After dinner at the fast food corner (it never taste so good after so many days of having Chinese food for lunch and dinner), we walked back to the Shilin Hotel which was located just nearby.

Taiwan Trip @ Day 6 (Taichung-Taipei) - Part 7 (Cont'd)

2007-12-30T16:40:00.000+08:00

We were subsequently brought to the Dou-Fu Street where we get to sample the various types of bean curd available for sale here.

Just before dinner, we were chauffeured to the Miramar shopping complex where we ascended to the rooftop to ride Taiwan’s tallest ferris wheel. Unaware there was launch of the movie ‘The Warlord’ at the ground floor, we were treated the chance of the life time to view fireworks display from the top of the ferris wheel. After our Mongolian dinner, we adjourned to Shilin Night Market before calling it a day.

Taiwan Trip @ Day 6 (Taichung-Taipei) - Part 7 (Cont'd)

2007-12-30T16:37:00.000+08:00

After a short visit to the pearl showroom, we made our way to the 5-Dime restaurant in Taipei for lunch. The restaurant is the largest among a chain operating throughout Taiwan. The restaurant is sited within a building with unparallel design featuring an unusual entrance statement too. The interior is lush with unique decorations amid the many artistry items which are mostly the original work of its lady owner and each floor having its own themes. The plates and bowls are made of clay, heavy and is available for sale to interested collectors.

After lunch, we proceeded to the National Palace Museum which boasted a collection totaling 56,000 artifacts. At the courtyard, we were greeted by a group of the Fa-Lung-Gung practitioners who were protesting against China’s unfair treatment of their believe.

Taiwan Trip @ Day 6 (Taichung-Taipei) - Part 7

2007-12-30T16:26:00.000+08:00

From Taichung, we made our way back to Taipei by coach in the morning of day 6. The journey took approximately 4 hours by expressway. Along the way, we visited the Shilin Official Residence which was the former home of the late President Chiang-Kai-Shek.

We then visited the Martyrs Shrine which is the famous destination among tourist where we were treated with the display of guards changing ceremony.

Taiwan Trip @ Day 5 (Kaoshiung-Tainan-Taichung) - Part 6 (Cont'd)

2007-12-30T16:08:00.000+08:00

Finally upon reaching Taichung, we were brought to the Formosa Aboriginal Culture Village. This destination is the highlight of our entire trip as it featured a theme park which is the favourite of all the children in our tour group. While the children set off to the theme park for the rides, the adults went for a stroll from the top of the hill after a cable car ride.

Before we had our dinner, our coach stopped by the roadside where our guide introduced us to the ‘Pinang’ seed which a popular past time delicacy among the Taiwanese.

Finally, before our 5th day of the tour came to a close, we visited the Fengjia Night Market to sample the local delicacies.

Taiwan Trip @ Day 5 (Kaoshiung-Tainan-Taichung) - Day 6

2007-12-30T15:56:00.000+08:00

On day 5 of our trip in Kaoshiung, we visited the Peacock Park followed by an introduction to the honey product at a showroom nearby.

At Tainan, we visited the Wen-Wu Temple.

The temple was flanked by the Sun-Moon Lake Scenic Area which derived its name because the southern part of the lake is shaped like a new moon while the northern side like a sun.

Taiwan Trip @ Day 4 (Taitung-Kaoshiung) - Part 5 (Cont'd)

2007-12-30T15:45:00.000+08:00

Next we visited the Spring and Autumn Pavillions where we were greeted with 2 gigantic statues of Dragon and Tigers Pagodas.

We were then chauffeured to The British Consulate at Takao. It was built in 1865, a building with more than one hundred years of history. It is now the most preserved building with western value in Taiwan.

After dinner and a stroll at the Xinquejiang Night Market, we took a boat ride on the east and west coast to experience the romantic and charming sights of the Love River before returning back to the hotel for a good rest.

Taiwan Trip @ Day 4 (Taitung-Kaoshiung) - Part 5

2007-12-30T15:40:00.000+08:00

We set off early in the morning of day 4 for Kaoshiung, Taiwan’s second largest city. We reached the Meinong Hakka Town. The idyllic landscape of Meinong has been the fertile ground for the Hakka culture. It featured Huo-Fang (the traditional Hakka 3-sided houses with a courtyard), tobacco barns, foods, history, delicate handicrafts, oil umbrellas, ceramic arts and flat rice noodles.

We also visited the Fokuoshan also known as the ‘Light of Buddha Mountain’ which is one of Taiwan’s largest temple complex and the island’s centre of Buddhist scholarship. Near the entrance, the tallest Buddha image in Taiwan stood majestically. At 32 metres high, it is surrounded by another 480 life-sized images of its disciples.

Taiwan Trip @ Day 3 (Hualien-Taitung) - Part 4 (Cont'd)

2007-12-30T15:30:00.000+08:00

Our next stop was Sansiantai (Terrace of the 3 immortals). After a long walk to the beachfront, we come across a bridge shaped like the body of a dragon which connects the main island to a smaller island.

Finally, we reached our hotel for a well deserved rest but not until we took a good dip into the hotel's hotspring pool.

Taiwan Trip @ Day 3 (Hualien-Taitung) - Part 4

2007-12-30T15:25:00.000+08:00

In the morning of 3rd day, we set off by coach for Taitung which is located at the east of the Taiwan Island. Along the way, we stop by for a visit to the Taroko Gorge National Park. Taroko is known for its sheer marble cliffs, deep gorges, winding tunnels and the Liwu River that flows through its craggy landscape.

Before we adjourned for lunch, we visited a showroom where we were given introduction to the nutrition of Ling-Tze.

After lunch, we took a stroll to the nearby factory that produces marble, a product where Hualien is famous for and then, adjourned next door to a jade showroom.

We continued with our coach ride but before reaching Taitung, we stopped at a rest area where we are shown the marker of the Tropic of Cancer which cut across the Taiwan Island.

Taiwan Trip @ Day 2 (Taipei-Hualien) - Part 3 (Cont'd)

2007-12-30T15:07:00.000+08:00

The route to Hualien was treacherous. We traveled on coastal road which was hilly and winding with tight corners for several hours before arriving at Hualien. First, we visited the famous temple known as Nan-Tien-Gong which enshrines the Mah-Tsu Goddess.

Then we arrived at the Hualien Ami Culture Village where we were treated to the aboriginal cultural shows. For dinner, we had shuak-
shuak-kuo (also known as shabu-shabu in our context) before returning back to the hotel to have a good rest.

Taiwan Trip @ Day 2 (Taipei-Hualien) - Part 3

2007-12-30T14:29:00.000+08:00

After check out and breakfast at the hotel, we set off for Yehliu by coach in the early morning of day 2.

Yehliu (wild willows) is reputed for its natural rock formation which featured an amazing array of artistic shapes created by erosion and other natural forces

Could you identify any interesting characters from the photos below? Found T-Rex head, crocodile, a slipper and the head of a queen…..

We then proceeded by coach to Jiufen which used to be a centre of gold mining and located within the hills in the northeastern of Taiwan. Here, we are treated to a wide array of shops selling local delicacies such a Mei-Ze Puo-Dong (plum pudding) and Mua-Ji. For something as souvenir, may be you could bring back ‘Cha-Kiak’ (Japanese wooded slipper). We also took the opportunity to sample the beef noodle which has been highly recommended by the tour guide.

Taiwan Trip @ Day 1 (Taipei) - Part 2

2007-12-30T14:06:00.000+08:00

To start with, we departed from Singapore’s Changi Airport on board the China Airlines’s flight CI662 at 3.15 pm. The journey took approximately 4 hours to arrive at Taipei Chiang-Kai-Shek International Airport.

Just before we called it a day, we were brought to the Ban Chiao Night Market where we took a slow stroll and had first-hand experience of what a pasar malam of Taiwanese version will look like.

Taiwan Trip - Part 1

2007-12-30T13:54:00.000+08:00

Hi to those who have been following my blogs. You must been wondering what has happened since my last update more than a year ago. Well, a great deal of things has taken place – change of jobs and in fact in the past 14 months, I have also been to 3 fantastic places. In March 07 (before the crackdown), I had the opportunity to tour Yangon, the capital city of Myanmar. Then with my family in June 07, we toured the Hunan province of China and viewed the mesmerizing scenery of Zhangjiajie (I have tendency to describe it as a ‘Paradise’) and the most recent, a round-island tour of Taiwan (December 07).

Well, let me share with you the great time that I experienced during the recent 9-days Taiwan tour. This trip is the most memorable and enjoyable one that I had ever been to. Why is it so? Taiwan, of course didn’t promised sceneries better than China. Shopping is not cheap either as compared to China or Hong Kong. In this trip however, I had a wonderful chance to tour with 2 of my best ex-colleagues of more than 16 years. Unlike in the past, my family traveled in tour packages with strangers and naturally, it took longer to get to know new friends in the same tour. This time around, the tour members are known to each other and as a matter of fact, a get-together dinner was organized a couple of days before the start of our tour. In addition, we had arranged with the tour agent to dispense with the tour leader. This way, we enjoyed some rebate in our fares and at the same time, had the opportunity to experience life as a tour leader too. Of course, we had some prearrangement to tailor the itineraries to our needs such as doing away with some meals so that we can taste the local delicacies which is highly featured in Taiwanese entertainment programme. The final day was allocated for free and easy tour of Taipei capital city on our own. We had an unexpected windfall when our Malaysian’s tour agent called to notify that we are unable to return as scheduled due to some flight complications. After some negotiations, we settled for return flight from Kaoshiung the next day and as compensation, we were provided an all-paid-expenses for accommodation in Kaoshiung, 3 meals, bullet train ride from Taipei to Kaoshiung and a visit to a theme park featuring world’s major landmarks in miniatures sizes for all 17 of us.

Tour to China's Jiangnan - Shanghai's Skyline

2006-11-14T17:05:00.000+08:00

Shanghai had me awed with its impressive skyline during my maiden trip there recently. I understand that the city has undergone major transformation in less than a period of 20 years from an agricultural back-yard to a metropolitan city dotted with high rise buildings, flyovers, interchanges.

Tour to China's Jiangnan - Nanjing (part 2)

2006-11-09T17:22:00.000+08:00

Just below the Nanjing Bridge, we were ushered to a Jade showroom, a favourite spot among our fellow tour members.

In the evening, we visited the Confucius Temple Night Market area where dazzling shops, restaurants and entertainment spots built around traditional buildings constructed during the Ming and Qing eras along the beautiful Qinhuai River are found.

Tour to China's Jiangnan - Nanjing (part 1)

2006-11-09T17:15:00.000+08:00

Nanjing Bridge was completed in 1968 which flies over the Yangtze River at the northwest of the Nanjing city. It is the first double-deck bridge featuring highway and railway track which was designed and constructed by the Chinese themselves. It spans 6,772 meters long and took a total of 8 years to complete (1960 - 1968). The bird-eye view of the Nanjing city from the upper level of the bridge is so breathtaking.

The Mausoleum of Dr Sun Yat Sen was built to commemorate Dr Sun Yat Sen, the great pioneer of the Chinese revolution. It occupies an area of more than 80,000 square meters and is shapped like a freedom bell.

Tour to China's Jiangnan - Wuxi (part 2)

2006-11-09T16:59:00.000+08:00

Before we set off for our next destination, Nanjing City, we took the opportunity to visit Lake Taihu. It is one of China's 5 major freshwater lake which is renowned for its magnificent water, hills and harmonious beauty. We understand that this lake is also famous for freshwater pearl farming and hairy crabs, a delicacy for the mainland Chinese.

Prior to that, we were also showed how pearls are being extracted from the shelf in a showroom where we had the opportunity to purchase products made from pearl.

We also witnessed how Chinese teapots are delicatedly produced by masters.

Tour to China's Jiangnan - Wuxi (part 1)

2006-11-09T16:47:00.000+08:00

Lingshan Buddha statue which is made entirely of tin and copper weighs more than 700 tonnes is one of the most awe-inspiring sights in Jiangsu. It is even taller than the Statue of Liberty in the US. Located along the shores of Lake Taihu, the Buddha statue is the largest in the world. The site which was opened to the public in 1998 also feature a large lotus flower pedestal.

We also visited the City of the 3 Kingdoms, a replica ancient city fortress where the movie "San Guo Yan Yi" was filmed. The site was built in 1993 by the Taihu Lake Filming Studio as the backdrop for the 84 episodes TV serial and is situated adjacent to the large Taihu Lake.

Tour to China's Jiangnan - Suzhou

2006-11-09T16:15:00.000+08:00

In Suzhou, the 4th destination of our tour, we had the opportunity to visit Tiger Hill which is famous for its slanting pagoda. King Helu, the founding father of Suzhou who died in the 6th century BC was buried on top of the hill where the pagoda is situated. Tiger Hill derived its name after a white tiger which appeared to guard the temple. The tower is 36 meters high and was built in the year 959 consisting of 7 levels and is a symbol of the ancient Suzhou city.

Next we visited the Lion Grove Garden, an ideal sightseeing site with rich ornamental pavilions and towers. It is a representative garden of the Yuan Dynasty (1279-1368) featuring labyrinthine rocks and attractive scenery made mostly of limestone from the Taihu Lake. It is also known as the Lion Forest Garden covering an area of 1,152 square meters built in 1342 by Monk Tianru and a group of Zen Buddhist disciples in memory of their master, Monk Zhongfeng.

We then proceeded to a silk factory where we witnessed the process of silk fabrication which was followed by a fashion show. The popularity of Suzhou's silk products is clearly evident from the overwhelming response by tourists who bought in busload despite the steep prices. Silk blanket (without cover) such the one above is sold for RMB400 per set (single/queen size).

We also visited the Hanshan Temple which is famous for its bells as mentioned in a poem by the Tang Dynasty's poet, Zhangji.

In the evening, we were brought for shopping at the Suzhou's night market.

Tour to China's Jiangnan - Hangzhou (part 2)

2006-11-04T15:20:00.000+08:00

In Hangzhou, we also visited the Longjin Mei Village where we got to experience the production of and taste the famous Longjin tea.

Leifeng Pagoda was first built in 975-an but was damaged by lightning at a time unknown. It was subsequently rebuilt into an octagonal 5 storey pavilion in the early Southern Song. It is famous for the Legend of Lady White Snake and is a good site to overlook the West Lake. Getting to the pagoda is a piece of cake as it is probably the only one known to be served by escalator.

Tour to China's Jiangnan - Hangzhou (part 1)

2006-11-04T15:08:00.000+08:00

We had 2 nights in Hangzhou, once desribed by Marco Polo as the noblest city in the world.

Song Dynasty City is the first theme park in Hangzhou city and the largest of its kind dedicated to Song-Dynasty culture. It embraces scenes built in accordance with the traditional Chinese painting "Riverside scenes during the Festival of Pure Brightness", Kowloon Square, Song Square, Celestial Hills and Jade-like Pavilions.

Lingyin Temple is notably renowned as one of the 10 most famous ancient Buddhist temples in China. The temple is situated at the foot of Mount Lingyin and beside it is the West Lake. First built by an Indian monk, Huili in 326 AD during the Eastern Jin Dynasty, the temple was renamed Lingyin Temple or the "Temple of Inspired Seclusion" for its beauty and serenity environment. It is regarded a suitable "hermitage for the immortals". The legendary Monk Jigong was said to originate from this temple.

West Lake or Xihu is a pristine lake surrounded by mountains on its 3 sides and the city of Hangzhou at the 4th. The scenic area stretches for 60 sq km of which 5.6 sq km are waters. It is known as the "Paradise on Earth" with natural setting of strangely shaped peaks, serene forests and springs, dense foliage and a myriad of blossoms especially during the spring. Its beauty is further enhanced by the treasury of sculpture and architectural features.

Tour to China's Jiangnan - Xitang

2006-11-04T15:01:00.000+08:00

On our way from Shanghai to Hangzhou cities, we stopped by for a short visit to Xitang which is famous for its water village, a canal-like village with lots of traditional buildings where the residents reside by the river. This place was also the filming site of the recent Tom Cruise's movie, Mission Impossible 3. It is located at the north of Jiashan County in Zhejiang Province and boasts a gorgeous natural environment where 9 rivers cross the town dividing it into 8 sections of land connected by bridges. Most of the houses here were constructed during the Ming and Qing Dynasties.

Tour to China's Jiangnan - Shanghai (part 4)

2006-11-04T14:53:00.000+08:00

We also opted for an optional package to cruise the Huangpu River to discover Shanghai from a different perspective. The view at both sides of the river, Puxi and Pudong were not that satisfactory though due to thick mist on the particular day. We were surprised to note that our national carrier, Malaysia Airlines had their advertisement signboard erected along the river too.

We took the Maglev Bullet Train to get from Pudong to the Pudong International Airport which requires only 7 minutes to reach its destination as compared to the normal travelling time of 1 hour. The train is capable of reaching top speed of up to 420 km per hour we were told.

Tour to China's Jiangnan - Shanghai (part 3)

2006-11-04T14:45:00.000+08:00

At the Shanghai's Jade Buddha Temple, we were introduced to the well known white jade statue of Sakyamuni which was brought all the way from Maynmar in 1982 by the monk, Huigen. This temple was built in 1918.

The Mausoleum of Song Qingling covers an area of 12 hectares of which the tomb of Song Qingling lies. Former leader, Deng Xiaoping personally wrote an inscription for the Song Qingling Monument and the Song Qingling biographical deeds pavilion.

We were also brought to the famous Nanjing Road which is Shanghai's shopping street. This is what we meant by 'crowded'! We were told Nanjing Road attracts crowd as many as 3 million per day.

Tour to China's Jiangnan - Shanghai (part 2)

2006-11-04T14:39:00.000+08:00

Still in Shanghai, we paid a visit to the Bund Tunnel which is about 650 meters long. Using transparent electric wagon, we were driven through the tunnel and entertained by lots of nice decorations of spotlights and laser displays.

At Chenghuang Temple Shopping Area, a busy shopping district, we were treated to a wide arrays of items such as gold, jewellery, handicrafts and all sort of snacks.

We also managed to watch a dazzling performance of the Shanghai Acrobatic Troupe which had attracted a full-house crowd.

Tour to China's Jiangnan - Shanghai (part 1)

2006-11-04T14:14:00.000+08:00

Shanghai, also known as the 'Pearl of Orient' is a renowned metropolitan city and financial hub of China.

We arrived at the Pudong International Airport after a grueling 5-hours flight from Singapore. It was pouring when the plane landed but to our dissapointment, we were only handed raincoats instead of being lead to the skybridge to get to the terminal building. 'Owercrowded' was my instant impression of Shanghai. The feeling was so immense the moment we went through the immigration clearance which took a solid 2 hours before we could eventually retrieve our luggage.

The local food was very much oilier and saltier as compared to our taste back at home. In Shanghai, we had the opportunity to tour these places of interest: -

The Bund or 'Waitan', a famous waterfront and regarded as the symbol of Shanghai for hundreds of years. Located along the western side of the Huangpu River, it is surrounded by majestic buildings dated back to Shanghai's grandest days. We were so thrilled by the sight of colourful lights illuminating the whole bund area which looks so much like magical luminous pearls.

Oriental Pearl Tower was completed on 1st october 1994. At the height of 468 meters, it is the tallest in Asia and the 3rd highest telecommunication tower in the world. The view of Shanghai city of the top was exasperating.

Amusing China's Engrish

2006-11-03T13:23:00.000+08:00

These signages, which I snapped during my recent trip to China are so amusing.

At the toll booth along the highway leading to the Shanghai City, drivers are required to swipe their cards for settlement of toll charges. Do you know that 'swipe' in direct translation from Chinese is actually 'brush'.

Make sure you are 'decent' enough before trying to gain entrance to the premise.

At the Bund Tunnel in Shanghai, we are required to present the entrance tickets for inspection. So, these tickets actually require no 'check-up' at all.

Buffaloes Believed Electrocuted

2006-09-13T15:50:00.000+08:00

I had anticipated that such accident is waiting to occur anytime and anywhere in my posting "1st World Aspirant, 3rd World Mentality - Edition 1" on 11/7/2006. Luckily this time, it was just buffaloes but if the relevant authorities (TNB, local councils & etc) continue to rest on their laurels, it will be the loss of human lives the next time.

The Star of 12/9/2006 reported that 3 buffaloes were believed electrocuted when the animals were left by the owner to graze near a lamppost at an industrial park in Ipoh. Exposed wires of the lamppost due to vandalism (cover stolen for scrap arising from shortages of steel) which could be mistaken as grass by the buffaloes is believed to be the cause for the accident.

This problem seems to be apparent throughout the country without concerted efforts from all relevant parties to rectify it. Before another untoward incident occurs, let them be reminded that you do not have to wait till a man dies for action to be taken.

Rebranding Mat Rempit?

2006-09-09T12:44:00.000+08:00

Rohaizad A. Rahim's article in The Star of 4/9/2006 refers. Putera Umno hopes to reform the Mat Rempit and eventually turn them to Mat Cemerlang by changing their images perceived as terrors on the road. A carnival has been planned in November which will organise the Mat Rempit into clubs and have their activities regulated.

Fat Hopes! Putera Umno, please wake up.

The author was right to indicate that such an attempt will be a futile exercise as Mat Rempit, by menacing the streets gets their kicks from challenging the authorities and the laws. Putera Umno should not have resorted to 'join them if we can't beat them' which may falsely give the Mat Rempit impression that their activities are endorsed by the society. This might further encourage them to be bolder in what they are presently doing now. It is learnt that Mat Rempit's activities is centred around the motivation of fame, money, drugs and girls when they risk their life and limbs in those dare-devil races without considering the safety of bystanders and other road users. Going by the above, there is no other than the hard way to combat and squash the Mat Rempit's activities.

The Star further reported in its article 'No Change In Mat Rempit Plan' of 7/9/2006 that the Putera Umno is pursuing ahead with its plan despite all the criticism leveled at them for a dialogue between 200 Mat Rempit with the DIGP despite the 'no-go' signs from various parties. Forging a friendly relationship between the Mat Rempit and the police as the reason for the meeting is certainly appalling and unrealistic. The movement's intention to gather up to 7,000 Mat Rempit in an expedition from KL to Teluk Batik in Perak on 9/9/2006 is even ridiculous as we, the law-abiding folks are expected to give way to these rogues on the streets. In addition, Putera Umno will organise competition on 'Wheelie' and 'Reverse Wheelie' as among the activities to be undertaken by the Mat Rempit during the expedition is sending the wrong signals which is as good as giving the 'go-ahead and do-it' sign to the Mat Rempit with their menaces.

With leaders like Datuk Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim in the Putera Umno, no wonder we are still at nowhere in tacking the Mat Rempit when in fact we should have address the problem at its inception.

Johor Bahru's Escalating Crimes (25/8/2006)

2006-08-25T14:50:00.000+08:00

Can the residents enjoy better days ahead with the recent operation by over 200 personnel from the CID, Narcotics, traffic & FRU to address Johor Bahru's escalating crimes? The MB of Johor has earmark RM7 million under the South Johor Economic Region on better surveillance system to curb snatch thefts and robberies. In spite of all the hypes, a coffeshop in the nearby surburb was robbed in the wee morning by its customers.

1. Massive Ops By Johor Cops - The Star @ 25/8/2006

An area spanning 4 sq km was cordoned off at 2 am where over 100 people from the Kampung Melayu Pandan had their identification documents screened in an 8-hours operation by more than 200 personnel from CID, narcotics, traffic and FRU. Several "pocket operations" were also carried out simultaneously.

# Finally, the authorities recognise the severity of the problem in this "Cowboy" city. I hope operation of such will not end just like that on the pretext of "the rakyat complaining of inconveniences" as these could be carried out at late evening or during dawn where interruptions are kept to the minimal and when criminal activities are striving. #

2. RM7 million Plan To Make Sure Crime Does Not Pay - NST @ 25/8/2006

To curb snatch theft and robberies, the Menteri Besar of Johor is allocating RM7 million under the Southern Johor Economic Region on better surveillance system as well as to give a positive impact on crime prevention and improve traffic control in the Johor Bahru city.

3. Family Outing That Wasn't - The Star @ 25/8/2006

5 men brought their wives and children, altogether 13 of them for morning meal at 4 am in a coffeeshop at Taman Johor Jaya. After the women and children left, the men created a scene threatening the owner with a meat cleaver and robbed him of more than RM2,000, beer and cigarettes. The images of 2 of these robbers were captured by the CCTV of a neighbouring shop.

# Like-father-like-son! How do you expect the children not to end up as robbers one day if they continued to be brought up under this kind of environment. That's the root of the kind of social problems we are facing now. #

Johor Bahru's Escalating Crimes (24/8/2006)

2006-08-24T13:02:00.000+08:00

Years ago, the whole nation protested furiously over the infamous labelling of Johor Bahru as a 'Cowboy Town' by the then Prime Minister of Singapore, Lee Kuan Yew. Over the years, the state of security in this city has not improved but in fact has deteriorated to a stage so alarming that the authorities are already at their wits-end in handling this ever-escalating problems. While the well-to-do could move their residences across the straits, we the ordinary folks are left to fend for ourselves. The reports below are compiled from the local dailies highlighting the plights currently encountered by the residents here.

1. Burglars Trapped In House By Neighbours - NST @ 24/8/2006

2 burglars were apparently trapped for 5 hours in a house somewhere in Taman Mutiara Rini, Skudai. Their attempt to burglar a house was somehow foiled by an alert neighbour, Masom Marji who heard noises from this house whom he knew the owner was not at home. He activated the alarm of his own house which attracted the attention of the residents in the neighbourhood. The residents surrounded the house to prevent the burglars from making an escape while waiting for the police and the house's owner to arrive. The apprehended burglars were in fact a 17-years old college student while the other, aged 23 is working in Singapore.

# How I wish I could publish the picture of this Masom Marji who should be congratulated for his heroic action. And of course, kudos to the local residents too for setting a very good example for the rest of us in ensuring a better living environment. These burglars, I'm sure had their prayers answered for leaving the place in one piece. They are unfortunately fortunate enough to be spared the beatings by the angry residents who at least exercise their restraints in dealing with the menacing burglaries that have been so common lately. This was not the case several months ago which I personally witnessed in a nearby Taman Pulai Utama where the burglars were 'wacked' by the mobbing residents in a similar foiled attempt. #

2. Pelajar Trauma - Metro Harian @ 24/8/2006

A 16-years old female student of a secondary school in Pasir Gudang was so badly slapped, punched in the face and knocked on the chest by her fellow schoolmate (also a female) that she was unable to walk or sit. Relating the incident that happened on 14/8/2006 at about 11.10 am, she was knocked unconscious as soon as she returned to her classroom from recess.

# A replication of school violence as reported in the Miri-based school not too long ago? Too bad, there wasn't any video footage of the assault #

3. Rela To Fight Snatch Thieves - The Star @ 24/8/2006

Homes Affairs Minister Datuk Mohd Radzi Sheikh Ahmad said "the Government was considering training People's Volunteer Corps members to help police tackle the escalating number of snatch thefts, which have led to the loss of lives and serious injuries. We will be trying it out first in a few places deemed as hotspots. Later, we will come up with a training module suitable with the function of Rela". He further mentioned that this has been in practice for areas such as Cheras, Bandar Tun Razak, Taman Bunga Raya (Setapak) and Setiawangsa which had recorded the highest number of snatch thefts in the Klang Valley.

# If this measure really work in those areas mentioned, please by all means extend to Johor Bahru quickly. I'm sure the problem here is one of the top hotspots in the whole of Malaysia #

Johor Bahru's Escalating Crimes (23/8/2006)

2006-08-23T13:21:00.000+08:00

Years back, the whole nation protested furiously over the infamous labelling of Johor Bahru as a 'Cowboy Town' by the then Prime Minister of Singapore, Lee Kuan Yew. Over the years, incidences of crime in the Johor Bahru city have been notoriously on the rise. The well-to-do prefers to make Singapore their place of residence but to us, the ordinary folks, what can we do as it seems that the police forces are already at their wits-end on how to deal with the escalating problems. This is a compilation of incidences reported in the local dailies which are just the tips of the iceberg. What about those unreported cases??

1. Clerk Paralysed In Snatch Theft Attack - The Star @ 23/8/2006

This poor girl was a victim of snatch thieves, dragged for about 5 metres when she clunged onto her handbag which was the target. The incident occured as she arrived at her workplace at 8.15 am (broad daylight!) at Taman Mount Austin (an established housing estate with industrial park - I'm surprised there isn't a single soul who heard her screaming, maybe they all scrambled into hiding!). As a result, she was paralysed from waist down.

#We have been advised to avoid resisting when confronted by snatch thieves. However in most instances when things are suddenly taken away from us, our spontaneous reaction is to tighten our grip instead of letting go. So how are we to avoid injury when under such circumstances?#

In an unrelated event, a guy and his father confronted a man believed to be responsible for robbing his cousin as the latter was walking from a bus stop to her home in Taman Puteri Wangsa at about 7.30 pm. Instead of apprehending the suspect, this guy was unfortunately slashed across the chest during the chase.

# A classic case of taking justice into own hand which however went awry. These guys certainly don't believe in the police force, isn't it? #

2. Gang In Kenari On Robbery Spree - The Star @ 23/8/2006

It was reported that this gang, known for using Kenari as mode of transport in their modus operandi struck twice in a span of 10 minutes in this infamous upmarket housing scheme, Taman Molek.

A housewife had her car's window smashed and handbag taken away from the passenger seat as she was about to leave her home at 7.05 am. Apparently she had locked herself in the car which was why these robbers broke the window.

10 minutes later, a Taiwanese woman who owns a tuition centre here lost her passport, mobile phone and some documents when her handbag was grabbed from her car as she was about to get into her vehicle.

# The housewife in the first case was lucky enough not to be slashed as the robbers were armed with parangs at that point of time. It seems that quite a number of snatch cases had apparently happened in the wee morning when the victims are not that alert. The moral of the story for both cases is also to avoid carrying handbag which might attract unwanted attention from these criminals#

3. Adolescent Thieves A Menace : Schoolboys Team Up With Youth To Burglarise Homes - NST @ 23/8/2006

Wow! 3 secondary school boys, aged 14 to 15 and another 21-years old accomplice were caught committing at least 11 burglaries in Masai (somewhere near to our Pasir Gudang port) using high-powered walkie-talkies over the past 3 months. They had used pepper spray on their victims and travelled in a Proton Satria to look out for their targets.

#Indeed a disturbing trend among our youngsters#

4. Penternak Dakwa 6 Lembu Disembelih, Dijual - Berita Harian @ 23/8/2006

This is interesting! A cow rearer found 6 of his cows were missing from his farm in Lima Kedai, Gelang Patah. From remains of the slayed cows, he managed to trace to the head of one of his cows lying at a stall in the Tampoi's market (How he recognised it? All cows look the same to me). 5 suspects were detained in association to this case.

#I supposed the police can never solve this case as I believe they do not possess record of cows in their database. What about DNA identification on cows?#

5. Hiding Your Laptop No Longer Safe - NST @ 23/8/2006

This piece of news is alarming but not sure whether had happened in Johor Bahru before. The police department announced that even if you hide your laptop in trunks or under the car seats, thieves are still able to pinpoint them using a special gadget. The problem is the "police have not been able to get hold of the gadget yet"

#I thought the police force is equipped with the top brains and the best available technology? This is indeed dissapointing!#

A Video Of Images Of A Girl Over A Period Of 3 Years

2006-08-19T12:13:00.000+08:00

Me: Girl takes pic of herself every day for three years

This is definitely one of the better videos I have seen so far which has been painstakingly done with lots of care and creativity. Bravo to those involved in the production.

1st World Aspirant, 3rd World Mentality - Edition 3

2006-08-16T05:30:00.000+08:00

Literally littering

Rubbish is literally dumped indiscrimately by the residents somewhere in Taman Bukit Indah, Johor Bahru despite a signage being erected forbidding littering which comes with a heavy fine. Well, it looks like nobody is heeding the rule.

Who are to be blamed? The residents argued that the authorities have not been doing their jobs to regularly provide trucks to collect the rubbish from their homes and business premises. Many complained that the uncollected rubbish was left for days inviting flies and fouled the environment. Have you ever witness when the trucks squeeze out the 'juices' from the rubbish right in front of your premise? I recalled an old auntie who was my ex-neighbour resorting to bribing the rubbish collectors to prevent them from doing so in front of her home. Wow, another form of 'blackmailing' which may bring lucrative side income to these workers.

Is this the way to repay the God of Earth?

Most Chinese especially those who practise Taoism worship the God of Earth at home for protection of their family's well beings. The altars are placed on the ground at strategic locations in the house or business premise. The problem starts when the occupants move out leaving the abondoned altars behind. More often that not, these altars are removed or replaced when there is a change of occupants under a fresh tenancy. So, where do the unwanted altars go to? Well, I have seen many placed at the foot of trees along roads especially those in more secluded areas in various housing estates.

Frankly, I have no inkling of the proper way of disposing off these altars in accordance with the Taoism teaching but I think leaving them by the roadside under the trees is equivalent to abandoning the god when they are of no use, isn't it? Not only it is unsightly to do so, residents not limiting to our own race may be offended if these altars are left near to their homes. I'm sure there are certain practices which shall be observed on how these altars should be dealt with in cases of relocations which is not only environmentally-friendly but also respectful to the religion.

By the way, have you also notice that many altars especially those made of stainless steel are disappearing from the roadside? If you still haven't got a clue, please read on!

Iron stripper

During the days of escalating steel prices, anything having to do with metal, aluminium, stainless steel and copper are hot items inviting unwanted attention from iron strippers. Unoccupied buildings whether small or large are falling victims to these irresponsible groups who rip offs anything and everything that can be sold to scrap dealers.

Drain covers, mail box covers, doors to the rubbish compartments, frames to the aluminium window and sliding doors, eletrical cables, door/house gates, window grills and chain-linked fencing are stripped off from these vacant houses. Abandoned housing projects which would not be rehabilitated or left incomplete by failing developers, vacant houses neglected by the owners due to lack of tenants, houses subject to auctions by banks are easy preys and also becoming haunts of drug addicts and illegal immigrants, which is a nuisance and potential hazard to the safety of the residents nearby.

Failed shopping centre which were left uncompleted due to the lack of funds are also suffering the same fate such as this Kemayan City, a huge retail complex located along the way leading to the JB city as you drive from the north. Not only scavenges are hoping to make some small bucks, unpaid contractors are also trying to salvage their losses by retrieving back their goods which they had installed previously. See, even the wall tiles were ripped off from the facade of the building leaving the ugly 'scars' all over. Beside being an eye-soar, falling debris from the building also pose a danger to the passerby.

Suicide? Give it a thought! It's not that bad after all.

2006-08-12T15:20:00.000+08:00

Malaysian were disheartened when greeted with news of 2 suicide cases in the Saturday papers with headlines, Burning Love Ends In Death and Audit Chief Dies In Fall From Office Building which happened in Johor Bahru and Putrajaya respectively as appeared on page 12 of The Star.
In the Johor Bahru's case, a 50 year-old man burnt himself to death by setting fire to a woman's car with him in the driver seat when the woman did not return his affection while the head of internal audit of the National Resources and Environment Ministry fell to his death from his 14th floor office building in Putrajaya. Work stress was quoted by the deceased's family as probable cause of the incident. Whatever reason it may be, it is indeed sad that one has to resort to this to end his misery.
Coincidently, this email reached me which I would like to share with you guys. Scroll down the images slowly and hope that you get the message that life isn't that bad after all.
As I jumped off the building,

Amusing China's "Engrish"

2006-08-11T14:20:00.000+08:00

Amusing, isn't it? Just got them from an email. In fact, I found more of these from my last visits to Quilin and Yunnan. But too bad, didn't thought of capturing these images. Must make sure I do so during the coming trip to Eastern China.

1st World Aspirant, 3rd World Mentality - Edition 2

2006-08-10T16:22:00.000+08:00

Legitimate Road-Hogger?

More often than not, excavators are the culprits for hogging the traffic during peak-hours resulting in beeline of vehicles behind them. Impatient drivers of these vehicles overtake precariously which could endanger the lives of other road users. Although excavators' owner pay road taxes too, shouldn't the authorities (JPJ) look into measures requiring excavators travelling on busy roads at certain hours only so as to ease congestion?
Whose is responsible to clear this mess?
This distasteful sight has been greeting me for months whenever I'm on the way to work every morning and it is just one of the many found at road dividers on major streets leading to the JB city. The displaced bunting at the bottom was continuously ignored despite that the one at the top has been replaced a couple of times.
Exactly who is responsible to clear this mess? Workers supposedly engaged by contractors commissioned by the local authorities (MPJBT) were seen clearing rubbish nearby but clearly, none of them are interested to address this matter. Is the supplier who install the lower bunting responsible for it? As far as I know, fees were paid to the MPJBT for permits to install these buntings. Then, shouldn't the responsibility to clear the mess lie with MPJBT when the permits expire?
Blatant defiance of law

This is a familiar sight almost every morning along Jalan Skudai somewhere at Tampoi when you are on the way to the JB city during peak-hours. Bus drivers are the main culprit, owing to the size of their vehicles are so commonly seen jumping queues without hesitation and are also leading the pack of other smaller vehicles.

Miss France Head-Butting Miss Italy at Miss Universe Event

2006-08-04T09:37:00.000+08:00

Miss France Head-Butting Miss Italy?

What, another head-butting on international arena? Zidane of France head-butted Italy's Materazzi in World Cup in June. At the recent Miss Universe event, Ms France did the same to Ms Italy. Be careful, you could be the next victim. A 'gift' from your rival?

Quick Fix To Your Translation Problem In Bahasa Malayisa

2006-08-02T09:19:00.000+08:00

I stumbled for a moment wondering how should I begin writing a formal correspondence in Bahasa Malaysia (BM). For a while, I was pondering whether all those years spent in the national schools since primary one has been effective so far, more so if you are in the private sector when dealing in BM is minimal. By chance, I came across this webpage on Linguaweb which provides text translation from English to BM. Pretty simple and fast, the webpage allows up to 200 words per translation and most important, it is free at least for the moment since I noted Linguaweb is apparently a trial version. There is this Linguamobile which you could sms for RM0.50 for translation up to 160 words from English to BM too. Why not try it out yourself!

Johor State New Administrative Centre - Latest work progress

2006-07-21T15:15:00.000+08:00

UOB Kay Hian had indicated in its investment research titled 'Strategy - Emergence of A Super-Cycle Performer' in June 2006 that various state government departments are expected to relocate to the Johor State New Administrative Centre (JSNAC) located in Bandar Nusajaya, which are to complete in August 2007.
OSK Securities further reported that the JSNAC was 11% completed as at April 2006 in its 24/7/06's investment research on UEM World.
With so much publicity on the South Johor Economic Region (SJER) particularly with the Government allocating RM12.2 billion for Johor under its 9MP, I visited the site of the JSNAC in July 2006 as an excited and curious Johorean.
Do you think that a project of such massive scale could be completed on time judging from the current work progress based on the picture taken at the project site?

Yunnan's Kunming, Dali & Li Jiang - Fascinating Scenery & Rich Heritage

2006-07-19T15:56:00.000+08:00

Yunnan's capital city, Kunming certainly lived up to its reputation as the 'City of Forever Spring'.
Upon arrival, we were quickly ushered by the local guide to the Western Hill just before dusk. For city folks like me, tracking up the hill was no easy task but the effort was worthwhile considering the captivating view from the hillside. In the evening, we even managed to catch up with the renowned 'Peacock Dance' performance which had been featured prominently in our daily, The Star not too long ago.
On Day 2 at the Jiuxiang Scenic Resort, we were treated to the majestic view of its limestones cave system. I envied the locals for their easygoing lifestyle, free from materialistic desires and the abilities to live lives to the fullest.
If you have not visited the Stone Forest, then you have not been to Kunming. Day 3 at the Stone Forest Park, a landmark synonym with Kunming was such a spectacular, having survived numerous earthquakes. The rest of the day was spent visiting the Golden Temple and a stroll in the city centre.
On Day 4 before we departed for Chuxiong, we dropped by at the Yuantong Temple and later at the Chooi Lake where you practically able to feed seagulls numbered in thousands right on your palm.
Dali was our next destination on Day 5 but not before visiting a museum which displayed dinasaur skeletons found somewhere in Chuxiong. At Dali, we visited the 3-Pagodas Park and the Ancient City of Dali, which were part of the settings for a Chines serial 'Tien Long Pak Puk'.
Along the journey to Li Jiang on Day 6, we paid a visit to the Dali's Bai Village where we watched performances on the local Bai's customary practices. The view of Yunshan Plateau in Li Jiang was so mesmerising overlooking the Yulong Snow Mountain in the background.
Day 7 was remembered by my accompanying daughter as her first encounter with snow, I meant the natural one. For a close-up view of the Yulong Snow Mountain which was at least 5,000 meters above sea level, we took cable car and further trekked for several miles by foot in thin air. The experience was magnificent despite the tiredness. We took chocolates to supplement the energy on the advice of the guide instead of hiring a gas tank to counter the effect of low oxygen level. Before returning back to Kunming by an internal flight in the evening, we visited the nostalgic Li Jiang Ancient City and for last minutes shopping as well.
A memorable and enjoyable trip indeed but too bad, it still had to come to an end on the final Day 8. Yunnan will stay forever in my mind for its breathtaking view as well as the hospitalities of the locals.

Jaya Jusco Taman Universiti's Members Day @ 13-7-2006

2006-07-14T10:14:00.000+08:00

The much awaited once-a -year Jaya Jusco Taman Universiti (Johor Bahru)'s Members Day was back again, much to the delight of the local residents there.

Crowds started to pour in as early as 9 am although the shopping complex was supposed to open for business at 10 am. It was a scene of pandemonium just before lunch when traffics reached a stage of standstill both on the streets outside as well as in the shopping mall.

Although I'm not a shopping enthusiast, every year around this time I have to apply for leave from work (not to shop of course) to guard the trolleys so that my wife, mother and mother-in-law could maneuver their ways smoothly among the crowds. This year was however an exception as there was already a prior appointment for my mother to have her cateract surgery done on the same day. Nevertheless, the feverish moods still impacted on me when I dropped by for a quick peep later in the afternoon to catch up with the euphoria. It was horrendously chaos in the evening when there were hardly any space to move around in the mall. I was later told the following morning that the crowds had not fully dispersed even after midnight.

Whether it was really that dirt-cheap and worthwhile as claimed by many, judge for yourself from the pictures below by comparing those taken during the members day and a day before.

1. Traffic conditions on the street outside the shopping complex

(Before) / (After)

2. At the open car park

(Before) / (After)

3. Inside the shopping mall (ground floor)

(Before) / (After)

4. Inside the shopping mall (upper floor)

(Before) / (After)

1st World Aspirant, 3rd World Mentality - Edition 1

2006-07-11T17:11:00.000+08:00

Malaysia aspires to be a developed nation by the year 2020. Independence was achieved almost half a century ago while 2020 is just about 14 years away. Yet, we are bound for an arduous task ahead considering the lack of civic consciousness among us here.

Petaling Jaya attained City status recently and at the same time earned its reputation as City of Billboards. What about Johor Bahru?
Can you figure out the street name based on the disfigured signage which has been so rampant here? Tough isn't it, especially when you are new to this area.

Who are the culprits by the way? There are none other than our Ah Longs, operators of money lending institutions (illegal, of course) making sure that their presence are felt practically everywhere. Nobody could dispute that the Ah Longs have far superior networks than our local financial institutions.

Even the phone booths, street light poles, road signboards & etc. are not spared from their mercy.

A common phenomenon since the emergence of steel shortages resulting in escalation of prices for scrap metals. With the covers missing, electrical cables in the street lights are exposed with some dangling out perilously. Unless quick actions are taken to replace them, accidents are waiting to occur anytime and anywhere. Potential victims include workers installing bantings on streetlights, maintenance workers and passerby unknowingly touching the cables while crossing the street !!

A Betrayal, A Misguided Move Or Just Out Of Desperation?

2006-06-30T16:09:00.000+08:00

The visit to the labour court recently was in fact the first in my career so far. I was there to answer a charge by an ex-colleague, AM who alleged that my employer had wrongly dismissed him and the notice of resignation tendered as evidence of his resignation had nothing to do with him at all. Although we hardly meet each other, my impression of AM is an honest, simple frail-looking man in his sixties who had served my employer for close to eleven years. He had demanded compensation for pay in lieu of notice and termination benefits. During the mention when the charge was read, I insisted that AM had in fact tendered his resignation and not dismissed as what he had claimed. Although too early for submissions to be made, the labour officer however took the trouble to hear stories from both sides.

I explained that AM, being illiterate had requested the assistance of a colleague to draft a resignation letter as a guide for him to prepare one of his own. His immediate superior subsequently read out and explained the content of the draft, the process which was witnessed by a third colleague. AM apparently took the draft home, presumably for his further reference or action. The very same draft was however submitted by him to his immediate superior the following day but this time, bearing a signature which I was not in the position to verify as his. I argued that AM cannot deny that the notice of resignation was not his even though nobody had seen him signing the draft. Further, he had the whole day to study the implication of the letter suggesting that he was not under any duress to resign at all. Witnesses were then called to support the argument.

After some coaxing from this head of department, AM admitted that he had indeed signed and submitted the notice which he couldn't figure out the implication of his act. He still loves his job very much but due to the distance from his home to the new workplace assigned to him recently, he had no choice but to stop work as he has no mean of transportation and is also not in the position to bear the extra expenditure. Agreeing that he may not be entitled to any payment of compensation, AM however appealed for some gratuity on ground of goodwill which was supported by the labour officer citing his current poor financial position and advanced age.

I clarified that the relocation is out of no choice since the previous workplace is no longer available due to the completion of project. Further, AM has not been subjected to any unfair treatment as his working hours, position as well as wages are practically unaffected. The relocation had in fact affected all other employees and AM's new workplace is not unduly far, apparently still within the same municipal boundary.

I contended that AM's action has brought adverse effect to the employer's reputation but as a colleague to him for years, I could refer his request for the management's consideration. Gut feeling tells me that on his own, AM is incapable of such action as it is not his nature to do so unless he had been misled, which AM had surprisingly denied. Maybe it could be owing to financial pressure but AM told that he had got another job near his home which pays him more than what he had received previously despite his advanced age.

Anyway, I went back disillusioned pondering what prompted this man's thought and action but nevertheless still glad that the allegation has been set aside and in term of life experience, I'm now slightly wiser.

Spooked by the latest robbery in the neighbourhood

2006-06-30T15:23:00.000+08:00

Last Saturday's robbery send down chills of fear among the residents of the semi-detached neighbourhood of Taman Universiti in Johor Bahru. Robberies are thought to be incidents of the past in this rather peaceful township of over 60,000 in view of the absence of such cases for some time, this event soon become the latest hot topic of coffee-shops talk.

The robbery took place in the early morning at around 6.30 am at a home located along Jalan Kebangsaan 8 as the owner was waiting at the car porch for a ride with his brother for their daily trip to their Singapore's workplace. A group of men armed with 'parangs', believed to be of dark complexion stormed him by surprise by climbing over the gate and forced him back into his house. The rests are history but fortunately, the incident has not been marred by injury or loss of lives. What shook the residents was that the incident did not occur during odd hours or at an isolated place. As a matter of fact, children ply this street on daily basis to reach the nearby mosque from the hostel of their Islamic boarding school located just a couple of houses away at around the same time of the incident. This is further compounded by the fact that a senior police officer is staying just next door, his home signified by a large sign 'POLIS' hanged to the gate. In other words, these robbers are desperados, having no regards to the surroundings when committing the crime or maybe they are just faithful believers of the notion 'the most dangerous place is actually the safest place'.

What has gone wrong in our society? To many, incidents of such are merely given mild attention as one of the many hapennings around the country that contributes to the national statistics until when it actually happens so near to your doorsteps. Accusations have been levelled at the police force for their incompetence in eradicating the rampaging crimes only to be replied with a less convincing answer 'understaffed'. Notably, criminals are getting bolder and bolder when carrying out their modus operandi as they get more and more desperate by the days contributing to the ever increasing crime rates.

Many factors could have contributed to these phenomena, many in the sense are self-creation such as: -

Rise in betting activities particularly during this ongoing world cup season where people have greater tendencies to burglar or rob for quick bucks to settle their mounting debts from losing bets;
Endless attractive avenues are now available for gambling activities, be it legal or otherwise ranging from the basic visits to the casinos/betting outlets to the more sophisticated Internet gamblings;
Heavy clampdown on the underground DVD/VCDs trades resulting in massive loss of jobs among the peddlers who resort to committing crimes for alternative source of incomes;
Adverse effect of globalisation resulting in shift of manufacturing bases to other countries with cheaper cost resulting in aplenty loss of jobs affecting mostly the less educated group consisting mostly of migrants from smaller towns and rural areas to the city to earn a living;
Influx of illegal immigrants from neigbouring countries hoping for a share of the pie of the country's national economic development which is now getting more and more challenging in view of the increase in population (from both the legitimates and the illegal immigrants) as well as the tougher climate for economic growth;
Diminishing social values particularly amoung the younger generation stemming from the very basic problems of upbringing their children as parents could not afford to spend more time with their kids as much as they would like as in the past due to difficulty coping with the economic constraints;
Cheap and easier access to movies which tend to glamourise triads activities and crimes resulting in wrong social values being imparted to the young;
Abundant availability of unlicensed lending services offered by the unscrupulous Ah Longs at astonishing rates using high handed means to recover debts from defaulters compounding the tendency of these desperados to commit crimes to settle their debts;
Escalating financial pressures on the wage earners from the increase in the cost of living owing to the inflationary effects from the recent hikes in cost of fuels and utilities onto the other basic goods and services; and
Ill effects from the uncontrolled exposure of modern technology such as the Internet onto the younger generation.

Can you think of more?

CHINESE WEDDING DINNER - WHY CAN'T IT BE...?

2006-06-23T09:39:00.000+08:00

The one last Sunday was no different from the many that I had attended before. We finally got our first bite at 8.45 pm although dinner was supposed to start at 7 pm as printed on the invitation card. So starved, we 'cleaned up' the first serving of 'cold dish' almost instantly. Although delays are already expected, I still wonder why Chinese wedding dinner cannot starts as scheduled. I wonder whether is it necessary for dinner to be so time-consuming such that it is almost midnight by the time you got home. I ponder whether you are guilty of grumbling to yourself whenever being handed such 'summonses'. I supposed you had fretted before over the larger 'hole' to your pocket the moment you think of the amount of 'angpow' that you plan to give; the new dress, shoes and hairdo that you will be buying as though you are going for complete makeover; and so forth in order to attend a Chinese wedding dinner. As though you are the one getting married, you further suffer from insomnia for days prior to the function over the potential ordeals befalling you on how the rests will perceive you; who will you be meeting there; whom you will be sitting with as well as to what you should be conversing on.

If you dread attending such funtion, why not consider one of these reasons or rather 'excuses' before accepting the invitation. Of course, you should first ask the host when that big day is before pretending that it coincides with the excuse you will be tendering. Bear in mind, you usually cannot avoid giving 'angpow' but you are still entitled to some 'discount'.

"So sorry, I'll be on an outstation assignment on that day"
"Ah yah, my 'so and so' is getting married on that day too"
"I will be outstation/overseas for holidays"

If you insist on not giving any 'angpow' at all, you could quote "I wish I could go but it would be inauspicious to 'clash' with your big day because my 'so and so' (make sure it is someone very, very close) is marrying on that day". Alternatively, you may quote "Frankly speaking, I could not attend your big day as my 'so and so' (also someone very, very close who had already passed away) is dying around that period of time" as a last resort only.

Well, supposedly you have no choice but to attend such function, you resign to the fact that you will have to wait endlessly for your dinner to be served. The recourse is to arrive late, say 8.00 to 8.30 pm and be a 'hero' of the day as one of those responsible for delaying the start of the dinner, provided of course you are 'Mr Somebody'. Also, remember to have a seat reserved for you if possible or else, the 'torture' of being alone at the same table with total strangers would be so unbearable that you would rather 'flee' midway or alternatively, visit the washroom as often as you could.

There has been numerous excuses offered by guests as well as from the hosts for being late or starting the dinner late respectively, such as" -

Guests

Caught in the traffic jam (although it is on a weekend!)
I do not want to be labeled a 'Kiasu' (one who is so afraid of losing to others)
Can't find a parking lot
My car's tyre was punctured while on the way here
Misplace the invitation card, so I do not know when the dinner actually starts

Hosts

Guests arriving late, so we cannot start yet
Allow time for guests to mingle around and catch up with old times
The bride is 'stucked' in the traffic jam
The bride has trouble fitting into her gown which she successfully did so 2 weeks ago
The bride has 'absconded'
The groom is too drunk

In respect of the 'angpow', there seems to be market rates depending on the venue of the wedding dinner; your relationship with the host; your motive for giving a particular sum and so forth. Generally, 'angpow' will costs more if the dinner is held in a hotel as compared to a restaurant. The amount will be higher in line with the number of 'stars' attained by the hotel. The 'angpow' may again be varied by the type of foods served by the host during the dinner. It is not surprising that sometimes, the host will gives you 'hints' of how much a table would costs him so that his invitees would know the quantum of 'angpow' to be 'contributed'. 'Angpow' would cost you more if you are related to the host than just an ordinary friend. Does it occur to you when certain relative whom you have never heard or seen before suddenly turn up at your door step extending invitation to you which leave you wondering the ultimate intention of such invitation. Occasionally, you may be prompted to give 'angpow' higher than the norm expecting the other party to reciprocate when it is your turn to invite in the future. What deem as an appropriate amount for 'angpow' is still very much uncertain but as a general guide, try giving at least 20% to 30% more that what would cost the host to take into consideration the soft drinks. Well, if you are a drinker (I meant alcoholic drinks like beers, wine or hard liquor), make sure your 'angpow' commensurate with the volume and type of the drinks consumed. Remember not to get drunk, otherwise the consequence would be disastrous. Also, 'angpow' must be given in auspicious figures or else the host will be hostile to you.

Attending wedding dinners could spell disaster to certain categories of people such as: -

The spinsters - who are the targets of the 'aunties' bombarding them with sensitive questions like "when is your turn to get married?"; "how come still no eligible suitors yet?"; "come on, do not be so choosy"; "bear in mind, your 'value' is no longer sustainable anymore like those younger days"
Victims of rumor mongers - you will be so embarrassed, ridiculed or even mocked if you are spotted bringing along your baby by those who had attended your own wedding held less that 9 months ago (you know what I meant by 'short-gun' pregnancy)
Sufferers of inferiority/superiority complex - your appetite for the evening would be so bad just because somebody (including the bride) dress better or has more jewels than you
Victims of broken marriage - I'm sure nobody wants to be reminded of the unhappy days in the past
Introverts - those with very high tendencies of 'fleeing' the dinner midway

Despite the above, attending Chinese wedding dinner could be still a pleasant one if we all have in mind the welfare and concern for the hosts and the guests as well. Here are my wish lists for all wedding dinners which I hope wil be a reality if not in the near future: -

Start Early, End Early (at least allow us some time to digest the food before we call it a day
Go for buffet instead (CHEAP, FAST & SIMPLE)
Try organising outdoor for a change (easier to mingle around, less elaborate and more informal for everybody)
Save the trouble to toast YAM-SENG from table to table (pity the bride and spare a thought for the bridegroom - he has heavy responsibility later in the evening, OK!)
Forget the KARAOKE (stop prolonging the dinner and torturing our ears)
Cut down the present 8-course dinner (do you realise the amount of wastage after every such dinner?)

CHINA'S QUILIN : MESMERISED BY ITS NATURAL BEAUTY AND TRANQUILITY

2006-06-16T11:05:00.000+08:00

My maiden trip to China, not without cautions from friends and relatives having numerous bad experiences before. I was told of toilet that stinks beyond your imagination; do not feel guilty at all when you bargain; the locals speak so loud just like soccer coach screaming down instructions to his boys; they spit right in front of you as though you are invisible; and so forth.

Having that in mind, my first day was already besieged with news that my Indo live-in maid had 'absconded' while I was on transit at the KLIA. What a day to start with, I mourned. After a 4 hours flight, we put up a night at the Quilin's Sheraton after a sumptous dinner.

In the morning of day 2, we were greeted with scenes of locals busy with their daily tai-jis. We soon arrived at the Crown Cave, a majestic limestones structure. To reach the entrance, we took a 'car' ride up which was so cool, similar to a roller coaster except we dictate our own speed. Do you find a camel at the background of the picture above?

Day 3 - Set off for Yangshuo by coach where we then took a cruise down the Li Jiang river which brought us to the magnificent view of mountains of various shapes that will stay in our memory forever. Interestingly, we also found that the local fishermen fish with the assistance of a bird minus the net, of course. In the evening, we watched a musical performance " Liu San Zie" choreographed by the famous director, Zhang Yi Mou.

It was almost a shopping day on day 4, where we visited the jade showroon followed by a silk factory. We were given an educational tour around the premise to experience the process of turning worms to beautiful silk which ended with models showcassing the many designs of the factory. The day ended with another visit to the Shangrila Resort before we returned to Quilin for a night.

Long Sheng was our next destination on day 5 where we were subjected to gruelling coach ride for almost 6 hours on winding mountainous roads. This was followed by another tracking by foot up a hill of 880 metres for an hour or so. All these hardships were quickly forgotten when we were feted with magnificent view of terraced rice fields erected by farmers from the hilltop. We finally checked into the Maryland Theme Park and Hotel Resort, one of the many Taiwanese's investments in the mainland China.

It was free and easy on day 6 where we practically had the whole theme park to ourselves since the crowd was rather small on a weekday.

On day 7, we checked out from the Maryland to return back to Quilin where again, were given the last opportunity to empty our pocket before flying home tommorrow. This time, we were brought to a pharmaceutical factory known for its melon frost and another crystal showroom. Then, we had foot reflexology and body massage to refresh our aching and battered body which was of course, at our own expense. Not forgetting our family and friends at home, we bought souveniers and foodstuffs which finally saw all the remaining money left in possession cleared. The night ended late busy packing all the things bought for the past few days.

On the final day 8, we managed to squueze a short visit to the Elephant Trunk Hill before dashing to the airport for another 4 hours flight back to KL bringing home sweet memories of Quilin but poorer by a couple thousand ringgits of hard earned money.

Is Life At Work Really Better Than In Prison ?

2006-06-13T12:23:00.000+08:00

I came accross this article and would like to share it for reading pleasure.

Space
In prison, you spend the majority of your time in an 8 by 10 cell, BUT
At work, you spend most of your time in a 6 by 8 cubicle
Meal
In prison, you get 3 meals a day and they are FREE, BUT
At work, you only get a break for 1 meal and you have to pay for it yourself
Reward
In prison, you get time off for good behaviour, BUT
At work, you get reward for good behaviour with extra works
Security
In prison, the guard will lock and unlock the doors for you, BUT
At work, you mucy carry a security tag to unlock and open all the doors yourself
Recreation
In prison, you can watch TV and play games, BUT
At work, you get FIRED for watching TV and playing games
Toilet
In prison, you get your own toilet, BUT
At work, you have to share the toilet with others
Freedom
In prison, they allow your family and friends to visit, BUT
At work, you can't even speak to them
Expenses
In prison, all expenses are paid for by taxpayers with no work at all, BUT
At work, you get to pay all the expenses to go to work and tax is being deducted from the salary to pay for the prisoners' expenses
Wish
In prison, you spend most of your life looking through the bars from inside wanting to get out, BUT
At work, you spend most of your time wanting to get out and go inside the bars
Hmmm... Which One Sounds Better?