Bangkok again, my 3rd trip after so many years

So the first week, I had the Penang trip and slowly my soul flew back. Then it was KM grading with LKY mourning in the second week. The third week was a trip to Bangkok with Quet and the final week was letting my soul fly back, going for more KM to condition, exercise and diet. WWork is starting next week *groans*

Bangkok 3rd trip, 1st - 4th April

Think the previous Bangkok trip was in 2008-2009, making 7-8 years ago. It's been a long while, it seemed kinda fresh yet somewhat stale. This trip was with Quet, Wed to Sat. I didn't have much in mind, save for Thai massage cos it was just 3 days after my KM grading. I wasn't that sore but felt like a long long time since my last massage. Just knead me like a dough for hours... Eat some nice food, especially the Thai food. Go Thailand, must eat Thai food, not like my previous 2 Chiang Mai which was Chinese food, duh...

Quet did ask me what I wanted to do, go, eat. For me, massage, buy mom's stuff - supermarket, eat at the Somboon suggested by my KM friend, After You honey Shibuya toast as per Muttons raving about it. Eat a good meal of Thai cuisine. Go Chaku chupt to look look see see cos I have never been there. The rest I am on with anything. Quet did quite a bit of food research buy we have limited stomach and meals too. So we just played it by ear.

So the flight was 10.45am so I had to be there 8.45am. I woke up at 6am to get ready. There wasn't much to do since I had packed the night before, so just bathed, changed and double checked all my passport and cash. Took the Mrt with my two backpacks. Loaned a transformable bag from Quet in view of my mom's shopping request. Quet was late due to her sister and while waiting, I had my sg egg kaya toast coffee breakfast. We went in and Quet had her breakfast eggs and coffee. We walked a bit but I decided against the alcohol, unsure if it would wake me in the middle of the night, despite Quet's snoring issue.

On the plane ride over, I was drawing on my own KM 武林秘籍 with stick figures and notes on new techniques. Quet was reading LKY's book on I-pad. We arrived without too much trouble. But the queue for the SIM card took a while. Some dunno why maybe cos is Xiaomi,  held up the queue. Got the SIM and went to the taxi queue. Going by meter seemed ok until the cab driver sneakily after Quet dozed off, drove off the highway into the jam. It was hot and stuffy and the jam took extra time. He pretended to have heard the wrong road and feigned until Quet woke and clarified. So it ended up slightly less than the flat rate of 500 baht, 475 but took over an hour. I didn't know the streets enough though I kept awake during the journey. It seemed whether meter or flat, they want to make that 500 bht so the return journey, we went for flat rate and had a smooth journey. Guess, just pay that next time.

Really stoned after that and checked-in. Only have two single bed if on smoking floor. There was a noticeable cigarette smell that after a while went into the background. Got the front desk to bring a pair of scissors and some air freshener. Then we relaxed a bit but hunger drove us cos it was already 4pm plus then. We headed to find Somboon the original one to try their signature Curry Crab. We walked along the sky bridge link from Holiday Inn which I roughly remembered from one of the earlier Thai trips. We walked for 2 stops and reached Siam Square where it gets confusing. Had problem navigating and resorted to turning on Google Map (Thankful for Google Map anytime) and we got to Siam Square One. It's a smaller mall but new and youthful obvious from the many Japanese food and some Korean food, also the retail mix. We asked for directions and went up to the 6th floor. We walked about and found it at a corner.

We sat down gratefully and ordered the medium Curry Crab, fried rice, prawns vermicelli and braised pork knuckles. The fried rice was superb, best one I ever had. Plus eat with the curry crab is very shiok. The Curry crab is not spicy but has an initial mild taste compared to the Punggol seafood chilli crab but as you continue eating, there's a very tasty and flavorful fragrance. I was happily eating. The vermicelli was good but had a spice I kinda disliked, fresh peppercorns or basil? I ate it still and the braised pork knuckle was delicious. Not porky and very soft and tender. Lip-smacking. It wasn't a cheap meal. Almost S$100 cos the crab wasn't as cheap but it was definitely worth it. A full belly.

We walked around Siam Square One and tried to get a massage slot but it was full. Then another didn't allow reservation, just walk in but we had just eaten. Told us to come back Iin 2 hours. Which we did but it was full then. We walked about and headed into one cafe White flower? which had a nice display of cakes but we were too full. So we had a lassi each and shared a coconut ice cream. Very refreshing. We also walked to the beauty clinics as Quet helped checked out the prices for Botox and Ulterea? which I learned about these cosmetic enhancements and their price tags. Ouchy. After our failed attempt at massage, we looked for a pharmacy cos my face had been scratched during the previous KM session on Tuesday. I wanted to get a cream cos it felt itchy and a plaster to cover it so I won't scratch it at night. We headed into Watson which had a pharmacist who looked at my face and suggested an anti inflammation cream. I had an anti scar one. Bought my waterproof plaster too. Then we looked for a other massage place,  Lek. It turned out that night we had a good 2 hours of Thai massage under two skilful ones. The subsequent visit wasn't as good. Not even standard. After the massage, my neck didn't creak at all. We walked about a bit along the night market. Stopped at the earrings stall. Then went back to the Watson, buywater and stuff. Walked back tto the hotel. I bathed first and laid in bed. I fell asleep after putting on the amulet.

Fell in a deep sleep but was woken by snores. Checked my watch, it was like 3am Bangkok time. So I was awake until the snoring abated around 4am and fell asleep again. But still woke about 6am. Couldn't sleep anymore so went to the bathroom, freshen up, take a dump, take a shower. Then hang around the room, quietly look at hp wifi and flick the tv channel. Waited for Quet whom woke and by 9am, we left to get a taxi to go to Thong Lor street 13, where Roast is at.

Roast is an all-day brunch place that serves good food. We reached there without the misadventures Quet and her brother had previously. It wasn't opened yet so we sat outside with other customers, at least 3 more tables, mostly in pairs, who were all waiting. Then it opened and we headed in. Famished cos we only ate breakfast in Changi and a later lunch/early dinner at Somboon the night before. I ordered the pan chorizo and a seafood soup. Both are in big portions. Quet ordered her grilled ham and cheese with egg and asked if we could share the french toast. I told her by all means. Super hungry, anything would do. Had their signature espresso cubes latte. It came with the espresso frozen as cubes with a bottle of milk and syrup so you can add to your preference. Food came, and it was the french toast with ice cream and maple syrup. We had our dessert first and just walked it down quickly after taking enough pics. Delicious, the vanilla ice cream had vanilla seeds. Then our mains arrived. Took pics and pics and I started eating. Working through a pan full of potatoes, chorizo,  2 eggs, cheese, bell pepper with crepes and the seafood soup full of 料 but there was a funky basil taste but I still finished it. Quet went to the toilet which was outside  and remarked it was very hot outside so we slowly ate and stoned around. After eating all the food, we had their signature tea, a strawberry and a lychee one. Really taste refreshing,  dunno how they roast their own tea to that standard. More pics and finally we left. Another S$100 meal but definitely enough to last hours. We walked around the area and there was an After You there and we went in but the thought of another bread was too much. I had hit my bread quota somewhat. Plus their drinks are the milky and heavy chocolate versions. We left without ordering.

Then caught a cab to Terminal 21. It was another mall which had an atas supermarket below. I wanted something light to drink like fruit juices but it was via card and there was a super long queue for the card. Forget it. Saw a bubble tea and had a nice light Osmanthus tea. Glad for the cold drink to cool down. We got a massage slot then walked around a bit. I bought 4 fruity soaps from a shop. Others didn't catch my attention. Just walked. We ended up at the basement and went to this small shop, Mama banana? Which sold fried banana fries and we bought a pandan lemongrass drink to share. It tasted different from the goring pisang expectation and was nice to chew on. The cheese was cold type not melt. Was a bit is good. The drink was refreshing. Then I went for a 30min back and shoulder one which was ok but not great. Mine ended earlier so I headed to the supermarket. Found most of my my mom's request except for dehydrated mangosteen. Looked and bought and later paid. Quet didn't turn up so I waited outside and saw her. I went in and couldn't find her. Then I went out again and saw her so I waved. She pointed me to another shop where I could buy the seaweed requested by a KM friend. Then put all in my bag pack and hold some in hand and we walked back to the hotel. Along the way, we went to the Embassy, a posh mall to go to the food court for dinner. Quet was saying it was pretty good. We headed into a bootes and I bought a facial wash. All the cream for my wound and the sun block on the face is kinda uncomfortable. We headed to the basement which had a cashless card system like Marchie. Walked one round and I got a tea and a Chiang Mai style curry noodle called Kao Soi. It tasted pretty good though it came with onion, pickled veg and a fried thing on the side with the noodles in a bowl. Not sure how to eat, I dumped everything in and ate it. No papaya salad surprisingly cos the food was predominantly northern thai. Quet had a pork knuckle with hard boiled egg. Still ended up in Central world though shops were closing but Quet managed to buy a pair of shoes. Then we walked back to our hotel.

I woke up even earlier than the first day... and lay awake until I really couldn't go back to sleep so I went to freshen up and shower. I decided to go eat breakfast and let Quet sleep more peacefully cos she's a light sleeper so I woke up, she also woke up. I bathed, she woke up. I got my stuff and headed over. The 24hour Macs was reminiscent cos we went there before years ago. It had customers sleeping inside. It was still early, 6-ish so I ordered a egg muffin meal with coffee. Tried to read one of the 3 books I brought along for this trip and the progress was slow. As slowly it reached 7.30am, they woke the sleeping customers up. Cos their biz is coming in, not proper to be sleeping. Interestingly those who were woken, soon bought a meal from Macs and ate it and left. That's why I don't want to do crazy flights timing. Anyway by 8.30am plus, I went back to the hotel. Quet slowly got ready and ate her meal at the Starbucks which wasn't open when I went to Macs. My turn to snooze in the hotel. On the way to taking the rail to Chakuchap, I was stoned and went to the fruut juice stall in the rail and bought one and chugged it down. The hit of vitamins and the cold woke me more. It was 9.30am but the sun was out in force. When we arrived, it seemed closed. Though it was meant as a weekend market but Quet mentioned she had gone with Aiwin at 10am on a Friday before. So we hid in the MRT station where they had some shops inside until it was  after 10am. We walked back, under the umbrella and some shops had opened. With many parallel lanes that ran parallel, not much signs, just walked down and see what was interesting. I didn't have anything in mind to buy, just to look and see what it's about. Saw many things which even if I buy, won't know what to do with it. Saw a puppy stall when we walked and heard yelping. Puppies were in cages for sale. It was getting hot even in the shelter of the zinc roof stalls. A particular husky puppy looked at me with its blue eyes while the rest just laid down. I gave it a stroke Billy the stall holder reminded me no touching. A pity and pitiful cos as Quet mentioned,  if nobody buys, after a certain age, killed. But how to bring a husky back to sg. My home also no air con and it's a bug dog. Later we stopped in a cups, plates shop and bought a Cat cup and a Cat plate for Tab. It's really cheap by sg standards some Korean tourists were buying entire sets of plates and bowls of a particular crab design. We walked on. Nothing much else caught the fancy and the heat made me just want to look for a cold drink which ironically the drinks stall inside weren't selling cos they haven't finished opening. We decided to leave and outside,  along the roadside stall, bought a chilled Coca Cola and had another "就是为了这个而活" moment downing gulps of ice cold cola. We headed back to drop the things in the hotel, bought more fruit juices to put in the hotel fridge and came out looking for lunch.

Lunch was a Thai restaurant called Taling Piling inside Central World. We ordered 6 dishes; Tom Yam, Green Curry,  Pad Thai, Pork belly slices, Pomelo salad and Pandan chicken and a plate of white rice and I ate them all up, to Quet's amazement. Had the Thai milk tea, super gao, too. After such a heavy lunch, went back to hotel to sleep. We rested and slept and came out about 6pm to look for food. Went to After You in Central World and got a seat quickly. With no qualms about bread, I ordered the Shibuya honey toast with added banana, their most delicious chocolate drink and Earl Grey squash with jelly for Quet. The chocolate drink was delicious. I agree with it being the best. Thick, tasty n not overtly sweet. Then the toast came and we demolished it. The toast was really fluffy and light and crispy and goes wonderfully with the honey and ice cream and bananas. It's like eating a waffle with ice cream and a banana sundae. Excellent. With that we went to look for Quet's Undress shoe shop near Siam Square One area. Using the Goggle Map, we got near there. Saw a Hello Kitty cafe prominently there. We found it without much difficulty and Quet bought 5 pairs ofshoes Iin half an hour. We went to look for another outlet inside Siam Square One too. Then we headed for a massage at Lek, which wasn't as good as the first one. After our 2hrs, we went back to the hotel. Along the way we went into Big C, where I bought some more pork floss love letters cos these were the cheaper brand. The ones I had bought were a pricier brand and I wasn't sure which ones my mom wanted so I bought extra from both. Also found the dehydrated mangosteen. Bought more water and we went back to the hotel.

I still woke up early but since Quet wanted to go pray at the 4faced Buddha, so after some delays where I fell asleep here and there. We headed for breakfast in Macs. Then Quet went to pray and I headed back to dabao more fruit juices and go back to the hotel but the lady was away. I waited almost 10mins but no one came so i went back to the hotel in case Quet came back. Messaged her and on her way back she bought the juices. Then the plan was to stone at the hotel and come out for lunch at the food court in Central World. We rested until noon then walked over. Had the pad thai, a different version from what I had the day before.  Finished that and had a papaya salad. And also mango with glutinous rice with coconut milk drizzled. I had hit all the Thai food I wanted to eat. We were too full for dessert so head back to hotel and bathed then check out late at 2pm.

Then walked back to Central World where I suggest going to the Mr Jones Orphanage which Quet mentioned she had seen but never gone in cos always end up too full. It was a teddy bear nautical theme cafe. I had a strawberry waffle with ice cream, syrup and lots of whipped cream inside. And a pink bubblegum flavored milk. Quet had a blue berry cheese cake and a tea. Had pics with the teddy bears and just whiled away the time.

Then it was time to go to the airport. Reached there without much hassle and checked in the luggage, 11th. I checked in both bags and hand carried a small bag of the pork floss and my bag pack. We ate at a restaurant which was pricier but better than the rest according to Quet. My special noodles reminded me of BaCuoMee, only it's a bit spicy and had luxurious 料 and with a drink, costing like S$15+. That was dinner and we boarded without any problems. Once the plane took off, I fell asleep and woke and we were almost there. Another 45mins more thing.

Arrived in Sg but getting the luggage took quite a while before they appeared. Bought a Lemon cello and a beer. Since it was 10.30pm, took the train back and then at 12am I took a cab from the mrt station. Just to help save a bit overall from buying the alcohol. Bathed and slept.

This Bangkok trip, I revisited some parts that we went to in the first trip. Things have changed a lot since then especially the retail mix, the malls and the cafes. Definitely ate a lot until it's like 3 pax. Did have a small few items for myself. Mainly the Herm soap and my few box of food. The rest are the photos and experiences.

Krav Maga P3 Grading

I didn't have any intention to go for grading when it was first announced that one would be coming. Then I was glad to have restarted KM after the whole migraine incident and sickly period of time. I had just gotten my P2 just about six months.  Including that 5-6 weeks absence, technically less than 6 months. Had no intention to go for any.

Then the main instructor asked me if I would be going for it. Huh? You mean I can go for it? I just got my P2. He said can try to train for it. Just before it, he'll tell if can or cannot. Hence began my more intensive KM sessions. The more senior students also wanted to try for the next level, P4 n P5. So we trained harder than before. Going for 4-5 sessions per week. Staying on an extra half hour after class to practice our level's requirement.

It was good for me that I had learned most of the syllabus with exception of 2 moves. First was high forward roll and second was side headlock on the ground with hands trapped. Those I learned and practiced and fumbled. Then for the high forward roll, I started jumping over and landing in a roll one pad at a time. The senior students gave advice and pointers. Gradually over time with many "aiyos" and backaches, I could jump and roll cleanly over 4 stacked pads. Finally on the Thursday before grading, I tried to do with one small pad extra and could clear it.

Grading coincidentally was on the same day as LKY's state funeral. But mere coincidence cos it was decided 2 plus months ago. I had to buy the gee pants and a black KM shirt as they are grading uniform. I had gotten the side KM legging to sew onto the sides of your own long exercise pants but I don't have one. It was too hot and i bought 3 quarters all these while. So for me, just pay and settle once and for all. So $140 grading fees, $20 t-shirt, $60 for gee pants. $220, a commitment to see it through. I had to buy new contacts, finished my supply, another $172. Pricey. Next time I want the normal ones. Bought 2 bottles of 3litres isotonic drink. Packed my gear and I was about done. Prepared.

I woke up before 6am. Close to 5.45am. Cooked a pack of my chicken breast meat with some cherry tomatoes, butterhead lettuce. Ate that and got ready. I reached the grading venue before 9.30am. There were a few who were earlier. I got ready and went in. In terms of the duration and pace, it was easier than before, except I felt uncomfortable and taxed due to the humidity. It started to rain. And my legs were still a bit sore from the day before and the 4hours sleep left me a bit zombie like as the time wore on. Made it through the rounds of Pl,  with 4 stations. Then continue on with the P2 rounds, not 4 stations but still running through. Then into the P3 rounds. I was feeling the effects and at every break, luckily more breaks than earlier gradings, so I guzzled the isotonic and went to the toilet. Especially once P3 was over except for the pressure drill. Then have to do the pressure drills and multiple assailant drills. Felt tired and lost track of time cos no watch nor clocks. Then it was over.

Or was it? We had to gather around and interlock our arms and we did 50 sit-ups, 50 squats and 20 dive bombers. New fitness requirements in the test. Then took a group photo beforetthe results were announced. Before that, there was a long talk about how if ya fail, have to try, didnt meet the requirements of the level. From P3 onwards it isnt an assured thing to pass. There had been cases of failure. But they only charge one grading fee. So the regrading is free. As the results were announced and it progressed from P1 to P2. The upper Ps were anxious. What if I fail? My light sparring wasn't there. Kinda screw up there. Our self confidence of passing was wavering. Then my name was called for P3. So happy, I lifted both my hands in a cheer. Went forward to get my certificate and a photo with the main instructor. My hands had the familiar trembling but no stitches this time.

Then it went on and in the end one didn't make it. He was my partner just for the P3 part. I had a different partner until P2. Both of us passed P2 and were partners. This time I was surprised he signed up for P3, cos didn't see him much. Even for the intensive revision and training period, he wasn't present as frequent. The other guy down for P3 passed. I had thought only 2 people were down for P3. But he wasn't happy with the result later on. The main instructor called him aside and spoke to him. It was the decisions of the 4 sub-insructors who graded us. Hence we didn't take any high P, group photo, kinda like rubbing in his face.

So we kept our stuff and headed back. Got a ride to the nearest MRT and I made my way to Tab's place. Planned to eat my foot long subway and bathed and watch the remaining part of the state funeral. Can't help tearing up at some parts, when the people cheered as the gun carriage drove past. Later the aches started. As I groaned and moaned as I got up the couch, Tab pitied my state and offered to order in pizza. But I rather go out. So with the idea of eating Chinese style zhi char, we settled on Punggol seafood. Quet drove over and got valet parking, luckily cos the traffic police were up in pairs and all those tio. Her pi-xiu worked again, make her get valet and so avoided the parking tickets.

We weren't intending to eat crab until we saw the picture on the menu. Then all three of us agreed on the crab. But we over ordered. The chilli crab was delicious, with all the roe, eggs,  sauce and eating them with the fried man tous and plain rice. I was mopping up the crab and really enjoying the rice. Mmmm... A kick as version of chilli crab, I wouldn't mind eating again. Then we walked around the pungent settlement area that was more developed with more dining options. Enjoyed the breeze and walked to the small pier. But as it was nearing 10.30pm and my aches had intensified even more, I asked Tab if I could spend the night over? I dread taking public transport home in my current state then. She kindly agreed after informing DF and I borrowed a tshirt for the night. Luckily she had the Counter pain muscle cream and loaned to me. I applied on every part that was hurting and fell asleep almost immediately after Tab retired for the night.

It was very peaceful and dark and I fell into a deep slumber. Woke up around 7 but turned and slept more. By the time I woke and got out, it was 10am plus. Magically my body didn't hurt so much, dull slight aches. Don't underestimate the power of analgesic cream. There was a set of spare keys which I could use to get out of the then empty house. I slowly got ready. Took down my gear which were hanging to dry and packed. I was getting hungry but it wasn't nice to impose too long especially raiding the kitchen etc. So I locked up and threw the keys in, then realised I had forgotten to change out of Tab's tshirt. I had left my own tshirt and bra behind. Quickly msg her. So I went home braless... luckily the third is large and dark colored, very comfy too. I reached the Kent Ridge link and bought 7 triangle onigiriwhich I munched 4 on my way home. Fell in a deep sleep and woke up that nobody ate the 3 remaining onigiri so I ate them as dinner. Think I would stave off that onigiri for a while. Delicious as they were.

Attending LKY's wake on the Sat

It was a somber week for the entire Singapore. As the news of LKY's death spreader on Monday morning. Just into the second week of the holidays, I was up until 3.40am on Sunday morning. When I opened FB on Monday just to see any updates, saw the news. I told my Mom and later my Dad about it. As we watched, Singapore went into national mourning.

I was still focusing and busy with getting ready for grading. Going for extra classes more intensively before my break began, and after the Penang trip, I resumed KM intensively. Later as LKY's wake became a public one, the question was whether I should go? As I am not a Singaporean. But as a PR, having studied and working here, it is undeniable that I had benefitted from the education here. So as I would continued to wonder, I checked with friends as the queues swelled and appeared on the news. My friends hadn't gone yet and were hesitating from the news of 8hours queue. My friends at KM, we also talked and asked each other if anyone had gone. Some went after training ended. But later on, found that they gave up due to the long queue hours and work commitments. I pondered if I could go down by myself but wondered if I would be intruding on Singaporeans.

My friends replied and wanted to brave the Friday queue but were deterred by the news of 8hours queue time. So the plan was to go down to Tanjong Pagar CC, to write and pay respects at the memorial set-up there. I didnt go for the usual KM training on Sat because the next day, Sunday was grading day. A mere coincidence that it was the same day as LKY state funeral. I had gotten my stuff ready and was resting up at home. Then I headed out to go to Tanjong Pagar. Before that my Mom heard the news that the queue was 4hours over the radio. I was early and the first one there. Friends were still at home when I messaged them I had reached. Over WhatsApp chat, they were contemplating going for the wake instead cos the queue time was manageable, 4hours over the news.

I went to City Hall first and waited for them. I wasn't sure if I was joining. Now I was reluctant cos I had mentally prepared for just going to Tanjong Pagar and not for a 4-5h hours queue. Obviously I didn't prepare drinks etc except what I had in my new Shark bag. While waiting for both to come from their homes, I went to check out the llao llao queue, too long and settled for the very short Koi queue. Bought myself a small sized drink and finished it,  then go to the toilet. In my mind, I was still thinking I won't join. Perhaps just meet up then I see them off as they proceed to the queue.

Things changed when they arrived. Kena psycho-ed to going with them. I walked and was still thinking, I'll see them off bit later realised in the Padang holding area, there wasn't anyway out. So liddat, I was in the queue. Huh? The queue started with a walk to the underpass, up the road and winded until the Padang. We were put into sectors and bottled water was provided. With the tented shelter and the fact that it was 5pm plus then and it had drizzled earlier. It felt cooler than what the previous few days had been. So we sat there, like a picnic of sort for an hour? Then we started moving. It went from the Padang, winded and before we know, we were heading along Merlion park, towards the Esplanade and did a big U-turn just before the floating platform and reminded back along the Merlion park, along Fullerton, the Asian Civilisation museum and the final stretch to the security checks and tents. And into the queue that moved into the Parliament House.

Along the way, we talked about many many things including his role in Singapore. To me, it's simple. Look at Singapore and my country Malaysia 50 years later. What had progressed, improved and continued? It was that clear and obvious. While I don't entirely like the way that Sg is becoming such an expensive place in terms of housing, costs, immigration policies etc, we cannot take away the pivotal roles he and his team had played. So whatever the shortcomings, they did it in that uncertain era. Look at where Malaysia is after all these years.  It's an undeniable fact of the matter.

So the mood saddened as the queue moved to the Parliament house. I chose not to take any pics or selfies either for remembrance or posting on Fb. It's supposed to be sad, pictures are not proper in my books, in a more traditional Chinese sense of mourning and attending a funeral wake. I was appalled when my KM friend showed me how some were posing in pics at the queue just to gather likes. Really OMFG to those. I did tear up inside bit luckily I didn't go into full tear-nonstop mode. It's uncontrollable if it had bit it didn't. I walked to the middle, where the coffin and pic was. Though there were people in front of me,  I didn't go up to the front to try to look inside the open casket like some did. I overheard some talking if they had seen the face. Huh, come on... I stood looking at the pic and did a deep bow and then left. Thanking him for my education and life here. Then we joined up and went out through another queue, out another entrance.

It was a somber mood and we headed to the Esplanade to eat our late dinner, about 10.30pm, after a 5.5hours queue. My calves were numbing up as we had our dinner. I was famished and had an entire pasta and a beer, shared a pizza and a tiramisu. Quet gave us aride home and I reached home and got ready for grading. My calves were numbing up and actually started to have sharp aches. I quickly massaged them, put on the analsalgic cream and lied down with a pillow holding up my legs. Later perhaps with too much stuff in my head, keeping me awake. I slept rather late, 2am-ish. I had to wake up at 5.50am to get ready for grading at 9.30am, held at the Silat federation at Bedok... It's due to having to eat a filling breakfast and the travelling, that I had to wake up so early.

Another story for another entry.

Penang trip

N Now I am at about the halfway mark of the Spring vacation. This has been a most fruitfulness and eventful break thus far. I will post separately the events thus far - Penang trip,  LKY paying respect and P3 grading.

PENANG TRIP: 17th Mar - 19th Mar

It was a short 3D2N trip to Penang. My travel companion is Tab,  during her March holidays which mine overlaps. With her husband's approval and assurance of her safety (cos now I know KM,  and her plan was to push me in front of harm's way and run off) I set about planning some aspects of the trip. It was also my first time so I had to rely on my Mom's and sister's input about what they did in their group tour,  online search for information and blogs, some trip advisor and Google map to scope out the location of the hotel and sights.

The hotel I chose was one of the list of Heritage hotels, 4 stars. Within walkable distance to the Unesco zone. Tab was ok with the price, S$185 per night (peak rate cos later I checked in April is only S $102) Reading the reviews, I requested a higher floor with a nice view. Our room had a balcony that looked inwards to the small garden/courtyard, a jacuzzi, a good shower with sprinklers, very nice Peranakan and vintage Chinese furniture; the cupboards, table, bed frame, TV shelf,  dividers, windows with stained glass & also modern aspects like 4 art pieces hanging on the walls, a funky sofa and a funky side chair. I liked the wooden stool placed just outside the shower. Also booked a day tour 7hours to visit some of the sights that were beyond walking distances from an online website. RM $180 per pax. Flight was S$185, a combination of Tiger Air going and JetStar coming back. To get the best possible timing. Arrive by 9am plus and return by 9pm. Still can have time to eat and go home by public transport. The only downside was I had to wake very early to get to the airport. About 5am timing. Never mind, I can do it if I must.

Day 1:
Tab offered to let me stay over so I could save on cabfare plus more insane hours of waking. So after my last day of work on Monday, I went home, changed and showered and brought my bags over to her place for the night. We met up and had a filling dinner of oyster omelette, and sambal stingray and later sotong. Then I followed them home and we did some research of cafes and restaurants near our hotel and within walking distance and map out a rough itenary. Then I slept with alarm clock set at 5am. Woke up before my alarm at 5am. Got up and bathed. Then Tab came out of her room. Apparently she woke up at 4am and couldn't sleep. We were ready by 5.30am and made our way downstairs to call for a cab. At the airport, we checked in and went into departure then looked for breakfast. Mine was typical sg breakfast which I rarely had a chance to eat; kaya toast, 2 soft-boiled eggs, kopi-o set. Lab's was surprisingly wanton noodles with tea. More like my usual style where I prefer savory over sweet stuff for breakfast.

We arrived after a quick flight, on paper is 1.5hours but was slightly shorter. Quite nice cos it can be a bit uncomfortable being in the aircraft due to pressure, the air etc. Woo... the Penang international airport was quite nice, looks new but still not to the scale of Sg and Bangkok. We got out and went to a counter where everyone was queuing. You pay a fixed price for taxis depending on the area. Ours was RM$44.20. Then joined a very fast moving taxi queue and hopped on. Reached the hotel way before noon. Check in was 3pm so dropped our luggage and walked across the road to this Nasi Kandar place that serves Indian Muslim style zharcaipeng and Roti canai. Tab had nasi kandar which had generous amount of food and they take a bit of every curry gravy and sprinkled over the rice, so it's a delicious plate of different curry flavors. I had roti canai which was chewy and doughy fluffy and has a nice flavor even plain. The curry was very flavorful and had bits of meat and beans/lentils. The Bru coffee ice was superb. (Bru is an Indian coffee, taste very smooth, yet strong especially made by Indian Muslim drinkstall is very good, rare in Sg)

With a refuelled stomach, we set out to find the Camera museum that Tab requested to go. Along the way, discovered a metal-grill "graffiti art" and we chose to use the graffiti art based map to navigate. It also helped to do the collect-them-all to try to find them and take photos. We walked past a clan house, it has some altar but I didn't go in. Just posed outside. Reason being if you don't know the procedures, later do wrong also not nice and since it's a clan house, not a full temple. Rather not. We walked past shop-houses; residential, shops, workshops and even B&B and more until we were greeted with a huge ass camera. First floor there were panels with information, places to take photos, a photographer shoot service, shop selling memorabilia and a cafe. The admission was RM$20 and we walked upstairs. There was no guide cos only at certain timing. We entertained ourselves as evident by our photos. By then Tab had suggested she'll take all the pics and I'll get get from her later. I agreed cos my note2 battery life is really very bad nowadays and the camera resolution also not there. There were interesting stuff and i learned about things I didn't know before - most expensive camera, first form of hand drawn'photos', spy cameras etc. We ended in the cafe to use the toilet and to use the discount coupon given with admission. It was there, where the start of my 黄金 luck. Bleah, llucky I wasn't eating. Reminded Tab to hydrate herself and drink Isotonic drinks regularly, cos of her earlier fainting the week before. So she had that while I drank hot tea and later an isotonic drink.

Our next stop was the Blue Mansion. We left the Camera museum and retraced our steps. Actually went into a cat cafe next door but nothing catches the eye. Tab chose not to go upstairs to the cat cafe. We made our way and saw another metal grill artwork which a pose stuck me and I asked Tab to help me take a pic. I think what Tab said about how the Japanese habit has rubbed off on me is true. I am doing more funny pics with different poses instead of just a v-sign. Hmm... Anyway the guided tour would only start at 1.45pm and we were early n it wasn't open so we had to shelter and stone somewhere.  Let Tab choose between a modern cafe or a local coffee shop.  She chose the latter and we settled in one which really reminds me and is typical of Malaysian Chinese coffee shop.  I ordered a lime juice ice due to the hot sweltering heat and sun. It was so nice and only RM$2.50. We saw the locals go about and buy and dabao food. The char siew and chicken rice stall caught both our attention. It had constant customers and keep hearing the chopping of meat oon the chopping board. So I asked Tab if she wanted some, just order a plate of mixed meat to share. She was agreeable. We ate the plate of meat (has a hardy feel to the meat, not the refined type in sg but more the traditional style in malaysia) Delicious, I would love to eat more. Had another apple juice RM$2 and soon it was time to make our way back to the Blue Mansion.

We paid and entered. The courtyard was impressive and I liked the greenery hence asked to have a few pics though I was under the umbrella all this while. The house looks very Peranakan, from the furniture. Reminded of Malacca. The female guide gave explanations in English to the group, unsurprisingly all foreigners. She drew attention to the wall finishes, ventilation shaft designs and the furniture. To me it was partly disappointing that the Peranakan and quite a bit of the stuff you find such as the bed, the rickshaws, the furniture were actually donated to the Blue House and had no significance to the place except so and so filmed something and donated this and that. So the Peranakan feel was not related to the original place. Still the story of the symmetrical design, back of the house taller than the front were interesting. The 剪粘 skill to restore the tiles on the roof restoration technique. It was hot and the air felt hot, some parts about the family wasn't interesting t9 me but then again, the man had 8 wives. How did he manage...? It was still disappointing to know that the reason why it's blue is arbitrary, cos they wanted it to stand out. Originally it was white. So for me, it had a very artificial feel. Still it was an experience.

We made our way back to the hotel, bought some water and checked-in to the room. Woah. I felt it was worth the money. Relaxed a while and I bathed before we headed out to look for dinner. Noticed some small red ants about near our facial towels but noted due to the garden, kinda inevitable. So I forewarned Tab about it cos she had her traumatic ant nest experience. I joked and told her not to use the napkin towels and check before using the bath towels in case "kena ants on your CB..." which luckily the ants were contented to be at just the facial towels. But this became a bad joke every time we go bathe. For dinner, based on earlier research, we would check out this place called Kebaya which had good reviews. I had enough of jeans and chose to wear my beach guystyle berms. We walked and down the street we were walking, there was nothing open. It seemed like a fashion, textile street based on the shop names. We decided if later we are walking back, would avoid this street cos most are closed and it would be dark then. We crossed to another parallel street which was alive with street hawkers and was tempting. But we persisted. Tab walked in front, navigate. I followed behind, so can keep an eye on her and also block and keep an eye for any motorcycles or vehicles. Grateful Penang is relatively safe in the end but kept this up the whole time. We reached Kenya after a slight mistake and found another grill-art. We walked in and the madame with silver hair and dressed in the proper kebaya, asked us if we had a reservation, nope. Then asked us to look at the set menu (with prices stated RM$110++) to see if we were okay with things. Tab turned around and asked me how. I saw the price but decided since we came all the way, try it out. Not like it's S$150, if it was that, I would have told Tab to find me after she's done at the street hawkers we walked past earlier. We were led to our seats and the place looked very classy. I thought about my berms but reminded that it's about what's in my wallet than my berms. It also helped that it was near empty then. Only another table with 3 Caucasians in berms too. So I did feel ok. But looking at the menu was another thing though. You choose a starter, a meat, a veg and a dessert. I had problems choosing partly cos reading slowly through the description of the dishes cos I felt the fatigue and mentally couldn't process. Partly cos the description and name of the dish tells me that it is a familiar food eg Tang Yuan, which I didn't want to even consider cos I did pay a premium so I would want something more unusual and unique. My selection was Miang Kham of Salmon roe, Hong Bak Lamb, Chau chye and Pana cotta based on reading the description. Tab chose Pai Tee,  Organic Roast pork, Nonya Tempura veg and Gula Melaka Mousse. I was telling Tab for the price we had to pay, those dishes mostly familiar food had better be F**king delicious. So when our starters came, very nicely presented in threes. I was to be the guinea pig and try first. I took one of Tab's pie tee and took a bite and chewed. It tasted good, besides the additional ingredients compared to a normal pie tee, there was extra crunch from the crispy skin, the ingredients. So it was an atas, upgraded version. Mine reminded me of nonya cooking cos of the roasted coconut and it had a lot of flavors and textures from the roasted mini shrimps, roasted peanuts, salmon roe, sweet plum sauce with the mild bitterness of the betal leaves. First time eating betal leaves. With those starters, we were assured that our food should taste good. Live music was played by a duo, one on the piano and the other girl on thr violin. Added to the ambience but the musoc was very pleasant and didnt hinder conversation. The restaurant started filling up with foreigners, mainly Caucasians, some dressed to the T. Then we got some rice scooped for us along with the vegetable. Tab's tempura veg was very crispy yet light. Had my first tempura baby corn and even tempura green peas. Imagine that. My 炒菜 was similar veg but stir-fried in a very savory sauce. It was a heavier flavor. Then Tab's roasted pork aka 烧肉 was a very crispy skin and you can taste the quality of the meat but not a big wow. My supposed 红烧 lamb came in thick dark brown sauce that upon first taste immediately reminded me of Chinese 粽子 immediately. I wondered if it was five spice, chestnut or nutmeg? But the meat was tender, no lamb smell at all and very sweet. Mindf**k. All challenged my idea of lamb shank. A lot of meat and ate more rice to help diffuse the sweetness. Lastly was our dessert. My pana cotta was so refined and so soft in the mouth and the two light flavors fused harmoniously.Every bbite is different as Tab would aptly put it. They had bit of candied roasted pischatoes and a center in the dessert that every bite is different as you eat with different things. Tab's gala melaka mousse was an intense fragrant but not overtly sweet one. After I tried one bit, I couldn't taste back my own cos mine was light but hers was intense. Had to drink more sips of water to clear my tongue before I continued eating my pana cotta. The best version of pana cotta in my life. Tab loved her dessert too. By the time we were done and paid RM$128.30, we talked about how to get back to our hotel and decided on asking Kebaya staff as they were part of a hotel - Seven Terraces to get us a cab. So the silver haired madame obliged and we waited near the entrance, piano and we sat at the chairs and listened to the music until the cab arrived. It costs RM$12 to go to our hotel which we gladly paid. On the way back, we saw that the street hawker street (Lebruh Chulia) was lit up and ran mostly until our hotel. A useful information to note.

Back in the hotel room, took a nice bath and decided to try out the jacuzzi. It took a while to fill the tub but I had a good 10-15mins soak before I got too bored. The bonus was one of the two pillows was super soft. The double pillows was of a good comfortable height to sleep. Tab fell asleep first and I left the toilet lights and one light on. Later on when I woke due to the cold air con,  turned up higher and switched off the lights.

Day 2
Slept until I woke up at 6am, so went to the toilet and brushed teeth etc. Checking out the map and wifi to use google map so we can avoid detours to head to the Unesco part, Khoo Konsi. Also hit that duck egg fried char kway tiao we had googled initially.The sun hadnt rose yet. Washed up and took my water and glass to sit at the balcony. Slowly the sun rose and could smell the fumes of cooking. Killed 3 mosquitoes while sitting outside. Tab woke up but later snoozed until 9am. Only when she woke then I switched on TV. We.had until 2pm to explore that, settle breakfast and lunch before our day tour, which would take us until evening. The good thing being up this early was we had more time to explore. First we fed our stomach at the Nasi Kandar coffee shop right opposite our hotel. This time both of us had egg roti canal and I had Bru coffee ice again. With that in the system, this time I put on my newly bought safari hat and lots of sun block on my nose. We walked along the path I plotted on the map towards Lebruh Kimberly, another long parallel street towards firstly the duck egg char kway tiao and Khoo Konsi, a clan house, a must-see sight. The street was more interesting with various retail mix. We had an initial mis-orientation but retraced our steps. Did see the real side of Penang. Very old school barbers,  newspaper stand, homes, shop lots etc. As like what Tab said, 4 stages of development in one pic.  First we reached a traffic junction with the police complex. We crossed over and saw on the opposite side, a sort of open air wet market and jay-walked over. Didn't occur to me then but jay-walking in front of a police complex wasn't the smartest thing to do. Anyway we saw an interesting shop. An old man was making popiah skin the traditional way; hot iron plates, holding a big ball of dough, he smashed and coat the surface with his dough in one movement and lifts the dough off in one move and a very thin layer is left on the plate which is cooked by the fire and his maid helper scrapes off the completed popiah skin with a spatula. All these happen within 20-30s. A crowd of tourists had formed about to watch, take photos and buy from them. I saw they sold the popiah skin, a soft traditional peanut candy in a box, you can pay to get it wrapped in the popiah skin, and another malted peanut candy that is hard. I bought a box of the soft one,  remembering how my dad like this soft peanut candy. Lined up and waited for my turn. Also bought one wrapped in popish skin RM$1.20,  plain is RM$1. And one of the hard peanut malt candy RM$1. Broke the popiah one into half and shared with Tab who was taking photos. She said it was nice cos the popiah skin had a slight saltiness against the sweet soft crumbly peanut candy. She bought a box too. With that, put into my bag pack,  we walked down the small lane to look at the rest of the wet market. Can see fresh fish and veg. Then we retraced our steps and walked a bit more to the Kimberly and walked a straight path. So really different things,  and noticeable were the street hawkers and more traditional coffee shops. Saw some interesting things and asked Tab to take a photo while I posed. Including a monkey king, coffee, tea or me. Found more grill-art. Like the street we walked had a hawker-street history. Then we reached the intersection and suddenly it became like joss sticks, 金纸 and even a shop with coffins. Another grill-art mentioned it had a paper, joss stick history. We found the traditional style coffee shop and shared one plate of the duck egg char kway tiao. I had another juice cos of the weather. The kway tiao was light in color and very fragrant. Got the 'wok hei' as my mom said before, which is they fry in wok at high heat enough that the kwaytiao has the fragrance from the heat. The duck egg was light and the bean sprouts crispy. If all kwaytiao were this light and non-oily, I would eat it everyday. Then I had to go to the loo cos of efficient plumbing. Luckily no 金 but the loo was dark. As long as it's clean.

Then we headed off and reached Canon street where according to the grill-art, a Canonhad been fired hence the name. We went into a cat theme shop and came out empty-handed. I bought a small key chain for myself. Just beside it was an Owl theme shop and inside had so much more interesting things. Bought stuff for my mom and sisters. Cost about RM$72 but I had bought 10 small items. Put into bag and by then Tab found Khoo Konsi. We walked over and had to pay admission RM$10. Saw a penny mint and Tab had to get one.  Then we went in and there were several buildings that made up the entire compound. The main being the clan shrine and the opera stage. The rest are like residential and administrative office. We headed to the loo where I saw a huge pile of 金 in a cubicle that I was completely disgusted cos earlier the day b4, in the Camera museum they had two toilet stall right next to each other. Thinking it was unisex, I went into one which turned out to be guys and saw a small piece of 金 that wouldn't flush and was appalled thinking that guys toilet cannot make it but now in the female toilet with a huge pile,  I changed my opinion and think instead females cannot make it. Walao, luckily I had already eaten earlier. Left and went inside the shrine which was nicely air conditioned and had many panels and displays to read up on, explaining the main clans, the various clan shrines and temples, as well as elements of Khoo Konsi itself. We then headed up to the main hall, and the two side halls. To me, it strongly reminds me of what I had experienced in mar ad a child. Elements of the altar with Dua Peh Gong, the whole 八仙 etc. So the two side halls honored the ancestors but with name boards of the name,  occupation and university education. The clan appeared to be well off, evident from the degrees from overseas and the type of occupation like lawyers, doctors. When we had finished, we walked back out and I bought a old-school syrup icicle and happily sucked on it to combat the heat. It was getting hot and we walked around a bit more. I saw a bubble tea and went straight for it while Tab was just beside taking pics of the painted graffiti. I had a passion fruit tea that was refreshing. I told Tab I was fueled by the cold drinks under this heat and sun. We walked along and found the bicycle graffiti. Then I spotted a chendol stall along the corridor. We got out of the heat and I ordered a chendol to share RM$3.30. To me, it felt light yet satisfying. Generous amount of 料 and the coconut milk and shaved ice were in good proportion. Enough gula melaka too. Damn happy to eat something cold. Too bad I couldn't try the ice kachang cos I had quite a bit of cold stuff and it seemed a lot. Found another grill-art made on the grills used to lock up that corridor. We headed back along the same way but on the opposite side of the street, my suggestion just so might see different things. We walked into another type of chinese coffee shop that is typical in Malaysia, higher ceilings type, 2 units. Like Malaysia version of a smaller hawker. I had Hobkirk style porridge with your own selection of dishes which all reminded me of home-cooking, especially my grandma's cooking. So reminiscent. So sorely missed until I ate the first mouthful. Yummy! So grateful we ate at there at the unassuming looking place. Walked on back and bought some local produce from one of the 饼店 we happened to see. Penang's local produce are nutmeg and 豆沙饼. I bought a small box, 2 box dried nutmeg, 1 box wet nutmeg and 1 pack 耳朵饼 for sister. Tab bought some and I stuffed into my bag which became full and resembled a turtle shell. The we returned to the hotel.

The concierge called and told us our guide had arrived. So we met the guy (I forgot his name 1 min after he said it) and according to itenary booked, go Khoo Konsi... erm which I said we just went. Ops! The Goddess of Mercy temple, huh is the small one close to Kebaya, how about the big one, huh different name. Thought there's only one. Erm no Burmese and Thai temples. Eh, this tour like all nearby leh. Never mind he said, can change.  So I told him about the plans to see the 3 temples and also the snake temple. So he was flexible, came up with a quick change and we zoom off. He did want us to try a sort of like Imagine museum but it had crowds that over split outside. So he drove us to near the Thai and Burmese temples, a pewter shop. I used the toilet after we watched a short demonstration on how the pewter is cast. Took a mere minute for it to cool and come out. But it was too overpriced. Just a key chain with an alphabet or a letter cost RM$68. My 'Y' key chain, exactly the same, bought from Redang those years ago was about RM$20. We left without buying. Nothing much. Arrived at the temples and we left the car to explore.

The Thai temple reminded me of Dol Step in Chiang Mai cos of similar features and style, such as the Naga and elements. Inside was a very big reclining Buddha. I just prayed and put in a donation, didn't intend to light any candles nor joss sticks. Did try out the fortune telling machine. You insert a 50cent coin and the light turns and once it stops, you take the number lot from a box on the right. Hmm I got to work... Walked one round looking at the various Buddhas. There was one for every zodiac, one for every wish like this one is for health, this one is for studies. I told Tab that the one that appealed to me was the one with mention of wealth, property and even afterlife but where got you just worship this one to get a free-entry to everything. So despite its definite appeal, I only put another donation in Goddess of Mercy cos she is my patron buddha. I found all these a bit too "commercial" for my liking. Outside the main temple, there was a 4-faced buddha but I didnt go. Instead asked Tab to help me take a Naga shot, then we walked over to the Burmese one.

The Burmese main temple has a standing Buddha. The unique aspect was the intricate wood carvings that adorned the pillars, lined and spanned the inner roof. Very burmese indeed. We used to have a Burmese family friend and when invited over to their place, could  see their burmese wood furniture's with similar style carvings. Nostalgic when I gazed upon the wood carvings. There were many parts to the Burmese temple compound but what struck me again was the "commercial" part where there were Buddha statues and others with name plates of donors placed either under or behind these. Like 'buy a spot' thingy. I do know that temples rely on donations but it is new to see so many parts, including an entire pagoda that housed donations... Still it was an eye-opener. A huge pond with gigantic, super big-ass fish living inside. I was reminded of fish sashimi, fish fillets. Not exactly the right thoughts to have while in a holy place hence I am not burning joss sticks. Sure kena burn for having such thoughts. Tab didnt go along the big ass water enclosute but I did and tio my socked feet burned as l ended on the other exit and had to scurry over hot burning concrete from the afternoon sun to where my shoes were at the initial exit. Then outside a pond with the revolving pots which I missed twice, aiming for the Prosperity pot. Guess it's a sign. Then the pagoda that had a lift inside. Wow, first time. Even the lift was donated. Went up to the top and it wasn't fully and completely furnished. But had a nice view of the surrounding. Tab and I had our socked feet burn from having to take off our shoes. So walking on the outside of the pagoda kinda burned. We were shuffling and kept saying "sio sio" until ewe saw a narrow shadow from a the ledge that was wide enough for our feet if we did a duck shuffle. Hence we side-waddled and even took a picture. Laughing, we made our way down the levels and realised the entire ccollection if things were like sponsored to fill up the pagoda. Not very religious feel. There was a side temple complex that had a burmese monk inside but I didn't want to go in. So with a toilet break in a no-金 toilet, we were on our way.

A side track to Coffee Tree, a famous Penang brand (plus definitely pay these guides) but it's ok. It sold Coffee,  Chocolate, Tea and Honey. I recognised the packaging when we wentinside. So here's where my sister bought me that Tiramisu coffee but it's expensive, RM$42 for a bag. I tried their numerous coffee but nothing appealed. Then walked to the chocolate section and their various Chocolate drinks. Some sounded promising like honey chocolate, caramel chocolate but the taste wasn't there. In the end, I bought the Mint chocolate which tasted the best of those I tried. Then we walked on to the Tea part, trying various tea to clear the palate and found the Pu-er tasted the best. Tab bought one. But the Honey was super expensive, RM$128 easily and above. With that we each got one item and hopped on the car. Next was a stained glass work company. Apparently they win design awards for doing interior decoration with their panels of modern stained glass and funky designer stuff made from glass bottles etc. Had a short explanation about their company but when we saw the prices, supremely overpriced. For example using a single glass bottle,melt it into a funky shape with some design painted on or plain is RM$50, a tray made from 3 melted bottles is RM$200. A small necklace with a small piece of stained glass which the person can write and paint to personalise is RM$22. There were nice stuff you don't see in sg, such as the designer stained glass clocks, gigantic stained glass panels for your shower or even showpiece and the life-like glass jellyfish. Extremely pricey and I don't have a house to decorate. So we looked some and left.

With that, we went on to 极乐寺 the temple with the tallest Goddess of Mercy statue. So we were dropped off with instructions for a missed call when we were done. We headed to the main where the Trinity were. As per what my mom and sister told me. I asked which one of the donation box is for this temple, prayed and drop the donation. Then we wondered how to get to the statue and after walking up a flight of 50+ stairs to a dead end, we walked down and headed to another inner side. Walking along this compound with more steps and wondered why we didn't walk the inclined slope on the other side. Then I noticed a sign that read the temple close strictly at 6pm. It was 5.10pm. So we rushed, following the signs, to take the inclined lift which apparently closes at 5.30pm. We reached the elevator and paid for a one-way ticket up. At 5.18pm, we were the only jokers still going up. Waited a while and the elevator came down filled with people. We were the only ones in the final ride up, like some private elevator. Had our 'enlightenment' photo shot and we arrived very shortly. The statue is under restorative work hence the shrine built below the statue was closed but can still take pictures from around. I went off to the loo, glad no more 金 thus far. Took photos then we had to make our own way down via the road that some cars drove up. Still saw people driving up cos by then the elevator closed. It was steeply inclined and we made it back to the main temple which was closed. Though there were other parts of the temple we didn't manage to go, at least saw the main and the statue without having to climb up the  hill.

Got the driver and we were off to dinner. Snake temple wasn't possible cos temples close by 6pm. He asked what we had in mind, I wanted to eat Penang Laksa so he drove us to the one he just ate. It's style is a bit different. It had a slice of whole fish fillet (small makeral) RM$4. Okay plus he said the night market was near to it. Ok. I enjoyed the assam laksa a lot. The fish fillet is soft and their own-made fishcake is soft not flavorful. Love the crunch of the vege and I finished the soup. If not for the night market, I wouldn't mind one more bowl. Carrot juice was good. Walked over with the guide to the open air local night market. Similar to the one Quetzal, Tab and I went to in Malacca. As the sun sets, we walked around. This one seemed bigger. It was on a large open field. When we first walked, many were setting up. As we walked from the bigger circle of food to the inner circle of goods and back, more stalls appear and more stuff. We walked around 4-5 times during which I devored a fried drum stick that was well marinated and battered. Reminded of something we had in the malacca night market. The 超大鸡扒 loses to its flavor. Tab bought a enoki tempura with mayo. Had a refreshing drink of passion fruit. Then   I bought a cheese potato ball with everything. Tab had 鸡扒. Ate until super full then Tab queued for sugarcane juice which despite being small, was very satisfying because they used shaved ice and the flavor was very intense. Tab still had room for Tau hway. I was at my limit. We got the driver after some initial miscom of the meeting place but got back quickly. Being too full, I asked Tab if we could forgo our initial plan of going to Mugshot cafe along Chulia street after the tour. We were too full for anymore food. She agreed so we were dropped off at the hotel. Have him a RM$10 tip cos he had allowed us the flexibility of changing the initial itenary and also when we asked questions, he answered. Plus I asked about the airport transfer with a short half hour stopover at the Snake Temple which he said was very close to the airport. He quoted RM$50, I asked him to confirm. He said he would message back after checking with his boss and if he couldn't take the job, he'll arrange another driver.

Bought some more drinks from the Nasi Kandar place, like my 7-11 stall for drinks. Bathed and climbed into bed after transferring photos from Tab. This time switched off all lights and fell in a deep sleep.

Day 3
I woke early still but chose to snooze a bit until there's light then got up. Tab woke shortly after and we just changed and headed out for breakfast. Tab wanted to try this Muslim street hawker she saw from the taxi land again when we made a wrong detour on Day 2. I didn't mind so we had roti canai with a chicken drumstick, a pricey RM$15.40 which we realised at least he charged the same for another Malay guy who ordered the same. Had a Koti Bakhar RM$6 which is buttered grilled toast with 80% cooked eggs on top. If they had hollandaise sauce, it'll be a winner. Then I had teh trail cos no Bru. Saw the pandan leaf wrapped nasi lemak and bought one and once again amazed Tab with my appetite.

Then we walked around and stumbled across another Camera museum. It wasn't open until  11am. We had 1.5 hours to kill which Tab said would be better we walked around then stone somewhere instead of going back to hotel to nuah then come out. Too short. Ok so walked about and came upon Komtar the mall but everything was closed. We did walk inside to peep. Then walked the streets and found ourselves in the Hawker street. So we went into another local coffee shop which was closing by the time we reached it yesterday. This one aactually had a name board inside,  "Eighty six degrees cafe". I ordered an ambla juice to satisfy my curiosity and it tasted exactly like star fruit, which Tab also agreed. Another mindf**k. Has another carrot juice while whiling away the time. Then it was time. 10.45am, we retraced our steps back to the Camera museum II. It was open, another RM$20 but with a young guide who gave us a very detailed explanation of their exhibits in Mandarin. Not much hands-on but more depth of knowledge and explanation. Learned more about camera history and revisited the most expensive cameras and spy cameras. The good was I could ask questions which were immediately answered and the explanation was a chronological order of the development of cameras. They had a photo studio recreation and that brought back memories,  plus photoshop with pencils. Also a detailed explanation of the dark room procedures, and the concept of 'positive' and 'negative', aspects of film and projectors. The final being a room with the canon camera compl er rely disassembled, framed up, the camera family tree. It was much more informative than the first Camera museum. Received an sms about ok with the airport transfer plus stopover at Snake Temple as agreed but different driver. Sms back, ok. By 11.40, we rushed back to the hotel. We reached close to 12pm. I confirmed with the concierge about the request for late check out at 1pm but the lady said hopefully we can check out by 12.30pm. I said ok but we needed a set of toiletries cos it ran out.  So we went back to the room, started packing. As I reached for the bag of 饼 which I had left on the writing table,  I saw ants and told Tab, I settle and brought it outside to the balcony table. Open up the 2 bags. Mine was affected, Tab's wasn't. I opened up most of the packaging. Most just threw away the box but the tau sa piah,  one of the 4 packs had ants inside. They didn't seal the sides completely for that one pack. So I took the other 3 and left that one behind. "My rent to the ants", I joked. Then packed up everything while the toiletries finally arrived and Tab showered. After that I had a quick shower and we were done. Checked out and dropped our luggage. Told the conciergewe had aranged an airport transfer so if he comes, we'll be next door at the Nasi Kandar eating lunch. The agreed timing was about 1.30pm. So I had nasi kinda, choosing fish that was absolutely delicious. Just a hardboiled egg and a cucumber salad. But the curry was so flavorful, I totally enjoyed eating the whole plate of rice. My last Bru coffee ice. Tab had Magee goreng which she said was too salty.

We crossed over with about 10 minutes to spare. The driver was seated at the lobby. We hopped on and headed to the Snake Temple. Along the way, I asked this guide about property prices as I had asked the first guide. The figures differed though. But learned about the higher interest rates, minimum RM$2 million for Singaporeans. Ranges from above RM$450k, easily into the RM$600K range is more normal... hmm something with my current salary, think can manage... KIV. Also asked more questions about like do Singaporeans come over to eat fruits, they do, for durians and mangosteen. Hmm... we arrived at the Snake Temple rather quickly with lots of my questions answered. My mom and sister told me how they went to the Snake temple but chose to stand outside while the rest entered cos my mom had a phobia of snakes. I went in with Tab behind. At the main hall, I just prayed and put in a donation, and a lady rang the bell for that. Same for Tab's donation. We were careful but no snakes yet. Walked to the side and saw a couple of cagesfor ppythons. The helper there is very smooth and fast talker. I wasn't sure about getting a python wrapped around me and before I knew, with only a moment to shiver, a python was draped around my neck and took a pic. Then added a de-venomed green snake over my head and flashed went the camera. Paid RM$20 for 2 pics. Okay, think of it as extra donation. But that was quick and then they were off. But I realised how soft the python's scales were to the touch. Contrary to popular belief of being slimy. It's soft, smooth and slightly warm. Wow, very pleasant to touch. Just that initial jolt of primal fear. Hmm... snakes are misunderstood creatures. Had to wait 5mins for the photos to develop so walked the inner garden. I asked the guy where were the snakes and he told us up in the trees and in the room we were in, some were curled up over the top displays where they had some artificial branches mounted. Those green ones weren't de-venomed. So with Tab sheltered under my umbrella, we walked through the garden, taking care not to go under any branches. There's a Guan Yin altar, did a quick prayer then move on. There were a cluster of trees that had a gate wall surrounding them and had some light water sprinklers so it's relatively cooler than the rest of the garden. We saw 2 green snakes coiled up on the branches. Think this is a precaution to ensure the snakes go to the cooler area instead of elsewhere. Then we reached a sheltered part where I had to walk in front, checking the ceiling for hanging snakes. None, then Tab walked... The guide appeared and told us there is a small snake breeding area. Paid RM$5 to go in. There were a number of different species of snakes in glass enclosure. Interestingly most were half submerged in their water bowl, guess due to the heat. In the centre was a big fenced zinc roofed enclosure. Inside were 3 huge pythons including the resident long time python that is 17 foot. According to the guide, the big python was caught elsewhere and the people wanted to kill it to eat but someone bought it over and brought it to this temple to rear. It became very big, very thick,  its width was thicker than my carrot thighs. It became the main attraction of the temple, 镇山法宝 and that day it moved about the enclosure nstead of just lying curled up still so we could see how long it was. Then we looked at the King cobra and rattle snakes, having seen numerous documentaries of venomous snakes, the guide was hitting the glass to entice them to flare up. I wouldn't do that. Partly cos they really aren't aggressive until threatened. Just the reputation and their venom are feared. They didn't respond. At the last few enclosures, where King snakes are kept, I saw one white one up and moving about instead of laying still. So instead of knocking the glass, I used my left hand to move about, like a snake *watched too much Snake fist kungfu* and after some moves, the albino snake followed and reared up. It didn't attack but moved. So cute!  I wanted  to bring it home as a pet. Later I researched about King snakes, they aren't poisonous and can be kept as a pet but not in Sg. As Tab had reminded, like how 小白 would disappear from its tank and went to the neighbour's, bringing sounds of scream from the aunties. Sigh... With a happy yet sad heart, left the Snake Temple. They also kept other animals like a car, goose, duck, iguana,  not as food for the snakes but for visitors to pay to feed them. So it's good. With that we left for the airport. Asked the guide How the Snake temple came about. According to him, in the hilly area where the temple was built, snakes lived and came over from the back mountains but didn't bite.  Then a sort of co-existence came about. But there are fewer snakes than before due to development. A pity but it's good the snakes have the temple area. But most of the snakes are reared. We arrived and paid the guide the negotiated price, plus a small tip of RM$5 for his time. Had an unexpected good time.

We were early and ate at KFC before we checked-in and went inside. At the airport, I managed to buy a I ♡ Penang shirt. Exactly what I wanted but didn't have time to grab one. Plus bought a Magnum ice cream for RM$4+ which I told Tab was a huge bargain. So seeing me eating happily, she was tempted and went to buy one too. So we were eating Magnums happily while waiting for our budget flight. It was a comfortable wait. Just look at pics taken and transfer via the wifi. Then boarding and soon we were back in Sg, to my dismay but good for my wallet, any travel into Malaysia is not entitled to duty-free. Duh but no worries, I'll try for Bangkok trip. DF came to fetch Tab and we ate a filling dinner at Saboten, which I realised Ma Maison does an even better cutlet after that one dinner with Cyn. Then I took the sky train to T3 to get to the mrt. Saw the Lotr display and just took a selfie with the hobbiton sign then went home. Reached home, unpacked and bathed and knocked out.

Really a very good trip. Saw many sights. Went many places. Ate a lot of different food. Loved the Bru coffee and cheap fruit juices. Later I found out our trip had more stuff than my mom and sisters' cos theirs was a road trip. Glad for how it turned out. I won't mind going again to cover lots more that we didn't see. Took until Sunday, then my soul flew back to Sg though bodily I was back on Thursday evening.

I ♡ Penang!

End of drumming for now

Today marks the end of drumming lessons for me. Don't think I will consider picking it up again in the near future. There were various reasons why I decided to stop. But the main reason was I felt I was losing and lost the motivation to practice, due to being stuck at the same place for a long time, lack of progress, lack of motivation. I find the nail is the lack of motivation that built up until everything dwindled. I was at fault too, not practicing but work took a lot out of me that I couldn't even find time to play the drums. With many days for KM and rest, can't seem to make myself squeeze out practice time for drums.

In the end I still had one more lesson that I forfeited cos I found it very painful to sit through today's second last one. It was a waste of $42, though. But if I had to drag myself out in a Sunday afternoon,  travel down via public transport, go through the motions, then go eat a Sanum to cheer myself up, possibly go jalan outside town and eat more food to cheer up. I reckon my opportunity costs might be more.

So with that, no more music lessons for now. I shall fiddle with my neglected guitar, continue on with the music theory grade 2. On top of KM, investment reading and rest days. These are sufficient to keep me busy busy. And I have to consider going for driving lessons again... urgh the pain... move on, move on.

CNY Day 3
I had a cockroach encounter at 2am... Was jolted awake by the shock of seeing one when I was getting ready for bed. But it hid in my room before I could get the spray. Spent the night in parents room. With a can of Baygon by the bedside. Home alone with a cockroach... sian

C.N.Y Home Alone and hibernation...

This year, I chose not to go back in spite of the long 4 day long CNY. Partly was I didn't want to kena the jam. If I wasn't with parents, they don't have to rush to come out on Sunday. But my sister wanted to go, so they have to face the jam on Sunday. I was tasked to look after the basic stuff like lighting the incense, etc.

Eve
After work, reached home to do last min cleaning. Threw out the stuff, into the recycle bin. Then helped to sweep, mop the floor. Did a last minute food errand. Water plants. And I was poot... My sis came back then and I asked mom if she needed more help. She said it was on and I fell asleep.

Later l was woken up for the reunion dinner. Ate and later got out of the way as my mom raged about packing to go back to Malaysia and worked herself into an irritable frenzy.

1st day
I helped to be the muscles and carry the luggage downstairs. Endure all the nagging. Each nag at the other and kept hurrying and tempers flared. I just kept my cool and kept quiet. My meals for that day were the reunion dinner leftovers. I was surprised that I finished off most of them in that one day. Didn't do anything productive except watch TV, videos and laced around. Kept eating though.

2nd day
Just as bad as day 1. Went out to help parents buy their 4G and I saw some stalls open. From a Malay stall, I bought 1 longtong,  1 mee siam and 1 mee rebus. They were my breakfast, lunch and dinner. But Iin between,  I had bad munchies. Mandarin oranges, cookies, sen bei,  soda and vodka. Blean... dare not out my calories.

3rd day
Went to the supermarket that is open by now. Maybe cos I felt guilty after eating Mutton Briyani,  I bought 2 corn and 1st of sweet potatoes. They became my lunch and dinner. Still had the munchies but I tried to control and eat mandarin oranges instead of bak kwa, cookies and love letters. Watched more TV, and finally felt guilty enough to take out my 4th Kettlewell and did a set of the Killer Kettlebell Workout cos KM was cancelled from low take up rates.

4th day
Parents and sister should be back tomorrow. I think I would get some vegetables, salad vingerette and chicken breast meat. If I want to clean up my diet, do some clean eating. I think I need protein more than carbs cos can't keep the hunger at bay. So I'll try to clean up my system in 2 weeks and see if I could lose some of the flab.

New Year Resolutions & Birthday posts

NYR 2015

Been busy with other stuff that I had completely forgotten about blogging.

My resolutions are:

1) Be happier, more contented and grateful for things I have.
- It's not always easy to be happy. Rely more on inner peace and happiness from within. With that,  can make others happy. Not comparing with others and think the grass is greener. Instead look at things that I had and be grateful for them.

2) Be in good health, physically and mentally and good shape.
- Taking care of my diet and food intake would first ensure my body is fed adequately and stop using food as an anti-depressant. Did put on a massive 5th in a matter of 1.5 months after the bouts of illness and migraine. Not exercising and eating excessively were the reasons.  But I have since restarted my KM and just hit a 21-days cycle. And I am eating more consciously, especially with regards to my breakfast and the important lunch. Going out to buy lunch instead of eating jam with bread, plain crackers, even canned fish with bread like a struggling student. Then wolf down big dinners. Now my meals are all pretty normal and as much as I could, I try to make good choices. Occasional indulgences are there, cheat day which is my birthday weekend. So I have been cutting down for my meals size-wise to reduce my weight and compensate. And also I expect myself to exercise more and reduce calories after this weekend.

3) Continue in my efforts to better myself,  through the things I am doing.
- Continue with KM and drums classes. Continue in learning the theory of music through self study, fiddle with the guitar more (neglected it), read up more and do some research about which stock counters, investment strategies to adopt and also up the returns of my portfolio. Grow it to give me a much bigger income stream cos it wasn't doing so the past 2-3 years. And attempt to learn driving again, this time under private. On top of that, think about trying Apps. There are so many areas of interest and yet limited time and energy. Some I would continue and others I need to prioritise and then execute.  Can't afford to be lazy if I wanna do them all.

Birthday Post:

This year is unprecedented with 2 days of consecutive buffets. As I did last year, I wanted to have a birthday buffet. Last year was Carousel lunch. This year is Bascilico @ Regent. I have read about how it offers great Italian style food and is rated the top, so I decided to use this chance to go there with friends. My mom and sis wanted to treat me to a buffet. After looking through some options, decided Carousel lunch would be good. Cos still have 10% discount. For this weekend,  I went for 3 sessions of KM during the weekdays, took a break from drum lesson. Cleared my weekend up and the entire week, I was mostly eating plainer food (no porridge cos I was sick of it) n eating my proper 3 meals. I did lose 2nd out of the 5kg I've gained...

All of us haven't been to Bascilico before. I was delayed at home and decided to take a cab there. Initially I planned to go via bus but fiddling around with the scarf, can't get the look delayed me and I went instead by cab. A nice treat for myself, I reckon. Once I got there, made a beeline to the toilet and met up with Tab who was already at the table. I was ravenous cos I didn't eat anything. I was drinking lots of mugi tea and hanging about.

Set off to the meat sectionwhere I got a serving of every meat; chicken, beef, lamb, cooked salmon, smoked salmon with some fish eggs, potatoes and long beans. With red wine sauce, mint sauce. Turns out the beef and potatoes were delicious. Went for a second helping of that later. Smoked salmon was good.

The second round, I went for the ham and cantaloupe with 3 glop of soft ball like cheese. One was mozzarella. The other two were something cow milk. The mozzarella was safe but the other two were acquired taste. They had an unusual taste, perhaps aged longer. Made a mental note about this type of cow cheese for future reference. The cantaloupe was really sweet and fragrant. The 4 types of ham, including Parma ham went superbly with the sweet cantaloupe. Really the sweet-salty combination with the fragrance of fruit is wonderful. Definitely want to eat more of this in the future.

I went for bread - angelo bread (yin-yang bread with dried tomatoes inbetween), a bit salty and dry and forcasia bread. Also took a bit of every cheese (dried ones) with cantaloupe. The cantaloupe with cheese was also delicious. (So much so I had this combination in Carousel)

Another round saw me taking a bug bowl of lobster bisque soup with more beef and potatoes. Checked with the rest about the pizza and pasta which seemed normal. Had a bit of squid and half of an entire stuffed squid. That stuffed squid was really soft and tender but the taste is kinda of an acquired one.

With a little bit of stomach left, I tried out their strawberry and pineapple sorbet. Very fruity, smooth,  nice. Then my 'birthday cake' came and we took pics. Didn't have a chance to take a group pic. It was nearing the end of the buffet and we were still eating, whacking the gelato and cakes. My slice of cake was very big and it was a luxurious caramel, and many cream-layered banana cake. Very rich-tasting and complex. Still nice, though I only managed half of it. Then I went for the 3 milk based gelato,  their wine, vanilla and chocolate gelato were delicious. High quality and smooth. It was a pity that I was really at my limit. Anymore and I would puke. Really ate almost non-stop from the time I've reached until the end. Wished I had more stomach space cos I didn't try every dish. None of the cakes and desserts, save for my own slice of cake.

Conversation revolved around stocks,  rooster luck,  gold, exchange rate, Euro, travel and planning a short trip. Lots of stuff to chat about. I was super full and after that, got a ride from FH and wife. Had an interesting chat in the journey home. I reached home,  made more tea to drink to aid digestion. Later on, fell asleep and woke up still very full. Lazed around and skipped dinner. Only a single meal. Can't imagine I could really do it.

That night, I did a bunch of calculation based on the stock criteria and counters discussed. I looked through and found more REITs and used the criteria I read from that 3 books on dividend investment. Did more recalculation the following day and reevaluate part of my portfolio. Came up with a new lists of reits and my strategies for them
For now, most is observing cos already pricey,  so can wait. See if after CNY, will this rise persist or is it a delayed 'Capricorn' effect.

Carousel

The next day, woke up again early. Didn't eat any breakfast. Had a coffee. I paid for the cab ride to Carousel, given they were treating me. Got 10% off with a card. I only managed 5 plates before I was full.

A plate pile up with raw fish. The sal mm on was good. Tuna so so. And the tai, there were two cuts of different color. One was chewy like salmon texture but the other cut was harder.

Second plate was a crayfish, 2 prawns and a slab of cooked salmon with sauces. In between I had to help finish some raw fish here and there which my mom and sis took but couldn't finish or not to their liking. Talk about trash bin.

3rd plate, I went for the cantaloupe with cheese. Cut a bit from the entire cheese selection, 13-14 cheeses in all. With crackers and salted biscuit and grapes. Found that they all go really well with cheese especially the cantaloupe. Delicious. Got my mom and sister to try out the combination though they prefer the cheesy biscuit with cheese. Found that cheese with cranberries or bran granules taste really nice. We all agreed. 2 other cheese that had a white outer crust were delicious and light.

4th plate, unofficially was a bunch of dessert my sis took bit nibbled a bit here and there and I got to finish. Signs... Some were too sweet for my liking. The mango yoghurt tasted funny so there goes the yoghurt.

My final plate was pita bread,  nacho with guacamole,  some humus, an egg sushi, more cooked salmon. Was full but not to that level at Carousel. Had a double expresso, delicious and rich dark chocolate,  and a peppermint tea.

Thought to myself, whilst enjoyable, but doing a double buffet on consecutive days is not good. Like deva-vu feeling. My stomach and intestines definitely worked overtime. Still I was glad for the treat, good food and company. We had difficulty getting a cab out of Orchard and managed on a bus with seats. Just sat and stone until we reached home. I didn't eat anything. Had a honey lemon drink at night when I had slight hunger pangs. Another day with a single meal. But both days definitely ate way above the calories.

Diet begins on Monday.

This year I was worried about the job and hope to keep to my New Year Resolutions. And hopefully lose all the extra weight before Chinese New Year.

Dared not step on the scales just after these buffets. I'll clean up my diet and exercise a bit more first. Will check it this weekend.